(SomaliNet) Due to a breakdown of equipment and shortages of drugs, Zimbabwe's biggest state hospital had stopped surgical operations, a rights group said Sunday. "There is a critical shortage of items ranging from anaesthetics to surgical equipment at Parirenyatwa Hospital," said Douglas Gwatidzo, chairperson of Zimbabwe Doctors for Human Rights. "Surgeons can carry out operations, but they are saying they cannot risk their profession and increase the risk on the lives of the patient. They are not prepared to be blamed for an operation which goes wrong because it was done without the necessary equipment, and operating on a patient when there are no painkillers to relieve their pain amounts to subjecting that patient to torture."
Parirenyatwa Hospital was referring patients requiring emergency operations to Harare Central Hospital which is also battling with shortages, Zimbabwe's state-owned Herald newspaper said.
Those who can afford it are referred to private hospitals.
| One imagines that Bob's access to health care is a touch better than that of his citizens ... |