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Zanzibar is without X-ray services for a whole two months
2007-12-20 09:20:03
By Mwinyi Sadallah, Zanzibar
X- RAY services at Mnazi Mmoja referral hospital have come to a standstill for two months now because the equipment normally used to discharge the services is delapidated and causing inconveniences to patients.
Investigation carried by The Guardian indicates that most patients, especially those involved in accidents are compelled to travel to Bububu military hospital in Magharib District as others cross to the Mainland for the service.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare in Zanzibar, Sultan Mohamed Mugheiry, said he was aware of the problem and the situation will return to normal soon.
``The X- ray service will resume next week. Efforts to buy spare parts from outside the country are underway. Money is not an issue but rather the accessibility of the spare parts, ``said the minister.
The chief technician at the hospital, Juma Ali Hamad, said the expected spare parts would be brought straight to the Isles and installed immediately so that services can resume.
He said the critical spare in need of repair is Printed Circuit Board (PCB) which will soon be bought through Dar es Salaam.
Sources at the hospital reveal that most people are now forced to part with 5000/- to pay for the services at the military hospital as most complain the amount is beyond their financial means.
The government in Zanzibar has introduced cost sharing in medical expenses.
Prior to the defects to the machines, patients paid 1500/- for x- ray services.
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