Beitbridge injured transferred to Harare

Harare-based emergency medical service provider, Discovery Ambulances, has transferred five of the 56 survivors of last week's tragic Beitbridge accident, which claimed 25 lives.

The survivors were moved to Harare on Sunday evening in two disaster response ambulances, with Discovery Ambulances pledging to cover all medical and transport costs, along with any outstanding hospital bills.

Elliot Chivige, the practitioner in charge of the transfer crew, said the initiative was in line with the government's vision for improved healthcare access and national development.

"We are responding to the government's call for access to health for all and the principle that Zimbabweans should take responsibility for their country's development. We have come to pick these five so they are closer to their relatives in Harare," Chivige said.

Beitbridge Mayor Peter Mafuta Pirato expressed gratitude to Discovery Ambulance Services for easing the burden on Beitbridge District Hospital, which has been overwhelmed by the high number of casualties.

"We also appeal to the government to upgrade Beitbridge Hospital, which has handled far more cases than a district hospital should," the mayor said.

The Beitbridge accident, one of the deadliest in recent times, has reignited concerns over road safety and emergency medical response capacity in Zimbabwe.