A South African man traveled home Monday after he became sick in Bulawayo and needed care he could not find in Zimbabwe. The patient rode 280 kilometers to Beitbridge before a helicopter flew him to Limpopo Province. Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba welcomed the patient upon arrival. Health official Dieketseng Mashego also greeted the man as he arrived on a stretcher.
People on social media asked why these leaders showed up for this patient. Many wondered what made this case special enough for top officials to attend. Dr Ramathuba faced criticism in 2022 after she scolded a sick Zimbabwean woman in a Limpopo hospital. She blamed foreigners for problems in South African healthcare.
Zimbabwe faces serious healthcare problems with missing medicine and equipment. Many doctors leave for better pay elsewhere. The government gives little money to hospitals. Zimbabwe leaders often seek medical care abroad. Former President Mugabe died in a Singapore hospital in 2019 after years of treatment there.
People on social media asked why these leaders showed up for this patient. Many wondered what made this case special enough for top officials to attend. Dr Ramathuba faced criticism in 2022 after she scolded a sick Zimbabwean woman in a Limpopo hospital. She blamed foreigners for problems in South African healthcare.
Zimbabwe faces serious healthcare problems with missing medicine and equipment. Many doctors leave for better pay elsewhere. The government gives little money to hospitals. Zimbabwe leaders often seek medical care abroad. Former President Mugabe died in a Singapore hospital in 2019 after years of treatment there.
