By A Correspondent

A donation of an anaesthetic machine by Zanu PF senator and State Minister Lovemore Matuke to Gutu Mission Hospital has sparked concerns about patients’ safety.

The machine, a Mindray and Datray Ohmeda model, was donated during Matuke’s 2023 election campaign, despite claims it was purchased for US$25,000 from the United States.

However, workers at the hospital have raised serious concerns about the machine’s viability, citing its obsolete nature and unavailability of spare parts.

This is particularly worrying, as Gutu Mission Hospital is the only referral hospital in Gutu District with a surgical theatre, relying heavily on functioning medical equipment for patient care.

“Hon. Matuke donated a brand-new machine, and those saying it’s outdated are simply misinformed,” said a Zanu PF official, defending the donation.

However, this contradicts the concerns raised by local health workers, who fear that the equipment may put patients’ lives at risk.

“The machine is obsolete, and we cannot use it for surgical procedures,” said a hospital staff member, who wished to remain anonymous.

“It’s a risk to patient safety, and we urge the authorities to provide us with functional equipment.”

The hospital authorities have been reluctant to publicly address the issue, and Dr. Mutero Mupereki, the Gutu District Medical Officer, was unavailable for comment.

The donation of outdated equipment raises serious concerns about the prioritization of patient safety and the adequacy of resources in Zimbabwe’s healthcare system.

As it stands, Gutu Mission Hospital is left with a piece of equipment that may endanger patients’ lives rather than provide them with adequate care.