He died on August 12 and this once again brings to the fore
the urgent need for Government to attend to the country’s collapsed health
system.
Paul, an orphan who stayed with his aunt and grandmother
fell from a mango tree last December and fractured his spinal cord. He remained
detained at the hospital while he waited for a Good Samaritan to pay the amount
needed for the operation.
Only two weeks ago he made an impassionate appeal through
The Mirror for assistance.
Masvingo General Hospital Public Relations Officer Mercy
Ruth Zulu confirmed the death and said negotiations were held with the Social
Welfare Department to pay the bill and the latter had agreed following The
Mirror article.
There were also some well-wishers based in South Africa who
were in the process of raising the money.
“The boy died on Heroes holiday just after the Department
of Social Welfare agreed to pay the full bill after they saw the article that
appeared in The Mirror,” said Zulu.
Paul who lost both parents at a tender age fell while
trying to get some mangoes for his grandmother.
He broke his left hand and both legs and operations for
that were covered for free by the hospital. However, cash was needed for the
spinal cord.
Masvingo Provincial Social Welfare Officer Stanislaus
Sanyangowe confirmed his Department’s pledge to help.
“His case was placed under the Assisted Medical Treatment
Order where Social Welfare assists less privileged patients.
“It is sad that he died before the operation but all was in
place for him to be helped. May his soul rest in peace,” said Sanyangowe.
Masvingo Mirror
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