Shocker as no X–Ray at the hospital

MBABANE – Bucopho when interviewed by Eswatini News said the young man was bleeding profusely on their way to the Mankayane Government Hospital.

Upon arrival they expected immediate emergency procedures to take place but were shocked when the nurses informed them that they could not be of much assistance as the stabbed man needed an X-Ray scan and their machine broke down a few months ago.

“We were forced to travel over 62 kilometres, from Mankayane to Mbabane Government Hospital with the bleeding young man to get an X-Ray done and return back to Mankayane, so that he could be attended to by a doctor,” narrated the bucopho.

“At Mbabane Government Hospital, we were assisted promptly with the X-Ray scan of which I must say came at extra cost as you are aware of the high cost of fuel,” Bucopho of the area Sibusiso Dludlu said.

He then called upon the Ministry of Health to expediently purchase another X-Ray machine to rescue the over 10 000 emaSwati who seek health services at Mankayane.

Dludlu stated that the area of Mankayane has a high rate of road accidents and having no X-Ray equipment in the hospital could result in the loss of many lives.

A health practitioner, who preferred to remain anonymous, corroborated Dludlu’s statement and fears, as he said it was difficult to treat injured persons without an X-Ray reading. “It is impossible to administer correct treatment to a patient without knowing which part of the body is bleeding or damaged internally ,” he added.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr Simon Zwane confirmed that government was in a process of purchasing X-Ray equipment.

“Yes it is true unfortunately. The one we had in Mankayane broke down. We are in the process of bringing in a new one.

We already have it in the country, just that the movement and setting up of the equipment is a process,” Dr Zwane pointed out.