By A Correspondent- Zimbabwe reportedly has 84 ventilators for COVID-19, The NewsHawaks reports. This was reportedly revealed by a Director in the Ministry of Health during a parliamentary hearing that was being conducted by the Parliamentary Committee on Health.

The reveal that the country has 84 ventilators comes at a time Zimbabwe is going through a COVID-19 second wave which has increased the demand for hospital beds in general.

According to a local publication:

A director in the Health ministry, Newman Madzikwa, says the country has 84 ventilators for Covid-19.

The ministry reportedly revealed that Covid-19 treatment is free at public hospitals, reportedly however states that Parirenyatwa Hospital is charging US$100 per patient. Legislator, Dr. Labode reportedly said it is a lie that public institutions do not charge COVID19 patients.

According to the Ministry of Health Director, Dr. Manangazira and Dr. Simbi gave a summary of institutions’ admission capacity and facilities available for testing for COVID-19 in Zimbabwe and said:

• In Bulawayo, there are 3 institutions taking COVID 19 patients. Thorngroove has no admissions at the moment.
• Harare has 5 institutions taking COVID19 COVID19 patients. St Anne’s has 24 patients, Wilkins has no COVID19 patients at the moment
• Nyanga with 15 beds has an occupancy (COVID19) of 80%.
• Mater Dei hospital has not been providing data on COVID19
• To date #Zimbabwe has 29 private laboratories, 26 govt labs, and 3 research labs offering COVID19 test.