By A Correspondent- The City of Harare says it is instituting investigations into the allegations raised by the family of the late Zororo Makamba over the shambolic state of preparedness of the Council-owned Wilkins Hospital to take care of coronavirus patients.
This follows the death last Monday of television personality Zororo Makamba after a recent trip to the New York, in which he died at Wilkins Hospital amid reports the facility failed to provide the necessary services as he had underlying health conditions.
In a statement Thursday, the city said Mayor Herbert Gomba is set to meet the Makamba family over the matter. The City of Harare also said it is carrying out its own investigations into the circumstances.
“Harare City Council is instituting investigations in what happened at Wilkins Hospital when the late Mr Zororo Makamba was admitted. The investigation follows comments by the Makamba family over allegations of impropriety in the manner the patient was handled.
“In the meantime His Worship Harare Mayor Cllr Herbert Gomba has undertaken to meet the Makamba family to hear them out and address any pertinent issues arising from the events.
“Council takes this opportunity to advise stakeholders that despite Wilkins Hospital being a council facility, during times of crisis and strife like this one – our institution comes under the direct management of Government,” said the Council.
“The city’s health facilities including Wilkins and Beatrice Infectious Diseases Hospital are designed to cater for primary health care with complicated cases being referred to referral hospitals.
“Ordinarily our clinics and hospitals therefore do not have some of the equipment needed for complicated issues.
“The current crisis requires all stakeholders to pull resources together to fight the scourge. Currently the city is funding all activities around the pandemic which include contact tracing, case management, risk communication. Council has had to virement funds from other votes to support the COVID-19 fight.”
Council hopes that the refurbishment to the facility which is funded by the Chinese business community will help with better service delivery in future.
“The hospital is currently undergoing renovations to the tune of US$100 000. The work is funded by Chinese business people under the supervision of the Chinese Embassy who are dealing directly with the contractors,” it said.-Online