Zimbabwe delivered new medical equipment to 25 rural hospitals to help patients avoid long trips to major cities. Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora told lawmakers the government spent part of a $44 million budget on anesthetic machines and digital X-ray devices. The equipment helps doctors perform surgeries and take medical images in remote areas. Pregnant women can have cesarean sections closer to home instead of traveling to Harare or Bulawayo. Officials also installed tracking systems on medicine delivery trucks to prevent theft.
The government plans to add CT scanners and MRI machines to the same hospitals before the year ends. Treasury promised another $3 million this month for chronic disease medications like blood pressure and diabetes drugs. Local companies make only 13 percent of needed medicines despite 14 firms operating in the country. Two factories produce animal medications and the rest make human treatments.
Ministers want to boost local drug production to reduce import costs. They work with education and industry officials to help manufacturers expand their operations. The health ministry received $11 million worth of medicines from the total budget allocation. Cancer treatment machines went to three major hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo. Maternity waiting homes at the 25 rural hospitals also received upgrades to serve more patients safely.
The government plans to add CT scanners and MRI machines to the same hospitals before the year ends. Treasury promised another $3 million this month for chronic disease medications like blood pressure and diabetes drugs. Local companies make only 13 percent of needed medicines despite 14 firms operating in the country. Two factories produce animal medications and the rest make human treatments.
Ministers want to boost local drug production to reduce import costs. They work with education and industry officials to help manufacturers expand their operations. The health ministry received $11 million worth of medicines from the total budget allocation. Cancer treatment machines went to three major hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo. Maternity waiting homes at the 25 rural hospitals also received upgrades to serve more patients safely.
