A family’s fatal encounter with drug shortages

PERENNIAL drug shortages in Zimbabwe have not only exposed the collapsing health delivery system but put millions of people at risk, especially those who cannot afford private care or medical insurance.

Since the beginning of the year, the country has been battling shortages of insulin — critical for people living with diabetes — and other asthmatic drugs like salbutamol.

Patients in need of those drugs have raised alarm over the situation, which they say is dire and could further exacerbate their conditions.

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