Residents of Alaska in Chinhoyi have petitioned the Makonde District Medical Officer over the shortage of medical personnel and equipment at the local Alaska Clinic.
The petition by Chinhoyi residents comes at a time when the country’s health system is facing serious shortage of medical equipment and personnel.
The residents expressed concern over lack of access to affordable health care services and trained personnel at the clinic.
“Cognizant of the fact that Section 76 (4) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe obliges the State to take reasonable legislative and other measures, within the limits of the resources available to t to achieve the progressive realization of the rights set out in Section 76. Concerned over the lack of access to quality and affordable health-care services and the shortage of trained health care personnel at Alaska Clinic which caters for a population of +1-000 people,” the residents said.
In the petition the residents are seeking the DMO to engage the central government and urgently address the medical needs at the Clinic.
“Now therefore your petitioners beseech your esteemed office to exercise its constitutional role and address the following issues of public concern in the Alaska area: to engage the central government and push for recruitment of experienced medical personnel at Alaska. To carry out a needs assessment at Alaska Clinic and engage government on the provision of medication. To engage the Ministry of Health and Child Care and ensure that Alaska Clinic is well equipped with medical equipment, medicines and enough experienced health personnel.
“Provision of ambulances for Alaska Clinic to deal with emergency cases. Currently there are no ambulances at the clinic. Pushing for the provision of resources by the government for the training of the village health care workers in the Alaska area. The petitioners beseech your Esteemed Office, to without further delay, in the context of its legislative duty ensure that action is taken (taking into consideration the above submissions) to ensure residents of Alaska enjoy their constitutionally guaranteed right of access to basic health care services,” said the residents
