Hospital stuck with a broken, archaic machine donated by Zanu-PF senator

Gutu Mission, the only referral hospital in Gutu District, is grappling with a broken and outdated anaesthetic machine donated by Zanu PF Senator Lovemore Matuke during his 2023 election campaign. The Mindray and Datex Ohmeda anaesthetic machine, which Matuke claims to have purchased for US$25,000 from the United States, has become a point of contention, as it is now considered obsolete and no longer found in most modern hospitals.

A quick search by The Mirror revealed that the machine, which Matuke insists was purchased for a premium price, costs no more than US$6,000 on the market. In contrast, newer anaesthetic machines typically range between US$8,000 and US$12,500. Anaesthetic machines, which are vital during surgeries to provide oxygen, ventilation, and the administration of volatile anaesthetics, are essential to ensure patient safety during operations. Gutu Mission, the district's only surgical theatre, relies on functioning equipment to serve its community.

When questioned about the condition of the donated machine, Matuke acknowledged the possibility of issues but became defensive. He claimed the machine had been in good condition when donated and insisted the hospital should have upgraded its power source to accommodate the equipment. He also suggested that the hospital was responsible for purchasing any necessary spare parts and lashed out at the press, threatening to report The Mirror to the police for pursuing the matter.

"I donated it in good condition and I don't understand it when they say that it is not working. I don't want to hear any nuisance. I can report you to Police," Matuke exclaimed. "When there is one spare that is required for the machine, is it again my responsibility to ensure that it is bought?"

Despite Matuke's insistence, experts have raised concerns about the machine's outdated nature. A medical doctor with experience in anaesthetic machines confirmed that the model was no longer in use in Zimbabwe's hospitals, including prominent institutions like Parirenyatwa and Harare hospitals. "That is an old machine. It is no longer used in most hospitals and chances are that you will not get spare parts for it. It may be good for nothing but to throw it away," the doctor explained.

Hospital officials, including the head of the department and medical superintendent, were reluctant to comment on the issue. Station Superintendent Reverend Taru Mugoni confirmed the donation but claimed he was unaware of the machine's condition. He advised The Mirror to call later, but subsequent attempts to reach him went unanswered. Similarly, Dr. Olenga Lohela, the Medical Superintendent, was unavailable and referred questions to the Administrator, Tatenda Manaka, who in turn directed inquiries back to Reverend Mugoni. Gutu District Medical Officer (DMO), Dr. Mutero Mupereki, stated he was unaware of the donation.

An analyst who spoke to The Mirror about the matter pointed out that the donation appeared to be part of an electioneering strategy. "It is tragic that politicians play with people's minds on critical things like hospital equipment," the analyst said, emphasizing that the situation highlights the gap between promises made for electoral gain and the actual needs of the community.

As Gutu Mission Hospital continues to struggle with the outdated equipment, residents and medical professionals alike are left to question the true intentions behind Matuke's donation and whether the hospital will ever receive the modern resources it urgently requires.