The Mindray and
Datex Ohmeda anaesthetic machine which Matuke claims to have bought for US$25
000 from the United States of America is an old and archaic model which is no
longer found in most hospitals.
A google search
by The Mirror showed that that model costs not more than US$6 000 while latest
such machines are in the region of US$8 000 to US$12 500.
An aesthetic
machine is critical during operations and it is used to provide oxygen,
ventilation and administration of volatile anaesthetics. Gutu Mission is the
only hospital in the district with a surgical theatre.
Although he
acknowledge that the equipment could have problems, Matuke went ballistic when
asked for a comment. He argued that he was not obliged to talk to the Press and
threatened to report The Mirror to Police.
“I donated it
in good condition and I don’t understand it when they say that it is not
working. I don’t want to hear any nuisance. I can report you to Police,”
shouted Matuke.
“I bought the
machine in America and the voltage in Zimbabwe is different from that in
America. They are just supposed to upgrade their source of power and I am not
the one who should do that for them.
“When there is
one spare that is required for the machine, is it again my responsibility to
ensure that it is bought. I asked the hospital officials to inspect the machine
before I handed it over to them,” said Matuke.
An analyst who
spoke to The Mirror said the donation was for electioneering and it is tragic
that politicians play with people’s minds on critical things like hospital
equipment.
A medical
doctor conversant with anaesthetic machines who spoke on condition of anonymity
said the model is outdated, adding that it was no longer used in Zimbabwe’s
hospitals including Parirenyatwa and Harare hospitals.
“That is an old
machine. It is no longer used in most hospitals and chances are that you will
not get spare parts for it. It may be good for nothing but to throw it away,”
said the doctor.
Various heads
of department at the hospital were reluctant to comment on the matter sending
The Mirror from pillar to post.
Station
Superintendent Reverend Taru Mugoni however, confirmed the donation but said he
was not aware of the condition of the machine. He asked The Mirror to call
later but he no longer picked his calls.
Hospital
Medical Superintendent Dr Olenga Lohela said he was away from work and referred
questions to the Administrator, Tatenda Manaka who referred The Mirror to Rev
Mugoni.
Gutu District
Medical Officer (DMO) Dr Mutero Mupereki said he did not know of the donation.
Masvingo Mirror
