Staff Reporter

Paediatric surgeon, Dr. Kudzai Munanzvi, has appealed for urgent partnerships to help clear a growing backlog of hernia surgeries for children at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital.

Dr. Munanzvi revealed that the hospital currently faces a critical situation, with thousands of children waiting for life-saving procedures.

Each hernia surgery costs approximately $500, an amount that many families cannot afford, exacerbating the delay in treatment. The backlog of cases has created a significant strain on hospital resources, leaving children in urgent need of care without timely access to surgery.

"We are seeing an increasing number of children with hernias, and unfortunately, the current infrastructure and resources are not enough to handle the demand.  

“This is why we are urgently seeking partnerships with organisations, both local and international, to help fund these essential surgeries and support our efforts in reducing the waiting list." Dr Munanzvi said

The surgeries are critical for the health and well-being of children who are inflicted, as untreated hernias can lead to severe complications, including incarceration or strangulation of intestines, which can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.

Dr. Munanzvi noted that collaboration with other healthcare organisations, donors, and stakeholders is essential to bridging the gap and ensuring children receive the necessary treatment.

"We cannot afford to delay these surgeries anymore.  Every day counts in the life of a child, and we hope to receive the support needed to clear this backlog and save lives."  she said

Dr. Munanzvi's appeal underscores the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address the healthcare challenges facing children at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital. With a number of young patients in need of hernia surgeries, timely interventions from local and international partners could be the key to reducing the backlog and ensuring that every child receives the critical care they deserve.