GOVERNMENT has been urged to establish hydrocephalus devices in hospitals to prevent infant mortality rate due to excess fluids in their heads.
Supporting the motion in Parliament last week, Bulawayo senator Linda Sibanda urged the government to investigate why hydrocephalus devices are unavailable and implement a policy which makes all health care services accessible to all.
“As of recently, hydrocephalus cases have risen in most hospitals and such cases require shunt devices to drain excess fluid from the head,” Sibanda said.
“The unavailability of these devices violates the Constitution of Zimbabwe, which mandates equal access to basic health care services for all citizens and permanent residents.”
She said children are dying from conditions that can be surgically corrected and urged the government to equip the country’s referral hospitals, Mpilo Central and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, to offer paediatric surgery to another condition called spina bifida and hydrocephalus in children.
“I would like to ask the Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care to conduct a public hearing about hydrocephalus kids and state paediatric hydrocephalus condition treatment in Zimbabwe,” she said.
“Government should promote early diagnosis, mass screening and appropriate medical treatment to children living with hydrocephalus to individuals in communities, “she said.
According to Sibanda, the government should collect information about children living with spina bifida and hydrocephalus disorders for purposes of research so that they can disseminate relevant information concerning childhood hydrocephalus.
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“I urge the government to promote nutritious support for hydrocephalus patients, promote friendly childhood spina bifida counselling and training sessions for caregivers,” the lawmaker said.
“Also, to promote free access to medication to spina bifida and hydrocephalus communities.”
