Medical staff at Victoria Falls District Hospital are basking in the glory of public admiration after successfully attending to a teenager who was attacked by a lion, in a case that has cast positive light on the progress being made in the provision of emergency health services by the Government.
Two teenagers, Khulekani Ndlovu (16) and Njabulo (17), escaped from the jaws of death and suffered serious injuries after being attacked by a lion.
The two, who were herding cattle, were attacked as they heroically dared the lion that had preyed on one of their beasts.
Ndlovu was the first to fall victim to the charging cat but had Ncube to thank as the 17-year-old fought viciously in defence of his colleague.
After their heroic escape, the spotlight turned on the hospital they checked into, the Victoria Falls District Hospital.
The hospital did not fail the young boys, effectively nullifying claims of a dysfunctional health system in the country as paraded by Government critics, the bulk of whom are keyboard warriors.
Speaking to The Herald yesterday, District Medical Officer for Victoria Falls Dr Fungai Mvura said it was refreshing that their efforts were being recognised by the public.
“It is refreshing for once to hear that the work we are doing is commended by those we are serving,” said Dr Mvura. “The incident happened during the festive holidays when others were merrymaking, but for us we have teams always on call to respond to these emergencies.
“Our work is usually not appreciated but I am happy the work which was done by colleagues in attending to this teenage boy has been commended. It is refreshing.”
Dr Mvura said health workers took an oath for care giving and treating patients.
“At times we put others’ lives ahead of our own but that is the nature of the job and we are happy to do it,” he said. Government has embarked on a health sector transformational trajectory, which is commensurate with the aspirations of attaining an upper-middle income society, to place Zimbabwe on a path to world class health service provision.
On this trajectory, the Government is keen to draw up strategies and interventions, which give citizens the comfort and confidence they need in the country’s health sector. – The Herald
