I was a first responder at an accident scene a few minutes ago. I was sleeping and heard crazy impact from my apartment, (the intersection next to my place is a common blackspot), I couldn’t ignore I had to come out definitely!

I got down and a few of my neighbors and caretakers had already attended the scene. The cars were pretty damaged but thankfully everyone involved seemed fine (at that time that is) I assumed someone had called the police or the ambulance already so I stood at a distance.

20 minutes on the police hadn’t arrived nor the ambulance, one lady couldn’t feel her leg anymore the other active lady who had been driving the car collapsed. And that’s when it dawned that non of these guys were okay. It was as bad as it looked!

My friend and I decided to call on the ambulance, and since we live close to a handful of ambulance services we decided to drive and perhaps get one. The answer was the same from all of them WE HAVE NO AMBULANCE AT THE MOMENT . None of them coulf help.

Including that popular Medical Aid that has been sponsoring Gigs online. Yep that one. They boldy told us that none of their 3, THREE, ambulances could assist us tonight .

Hit a turn back and went on to pick up the two up the two injured ladies. Rushed to a popular ER in the Avenues. (I know am a health worker) But I had actually never realised how bad the culture of cash upfronts is! Firstly the nurses were concerned with selling us their $2masks

After buying these $2 masks they required $50 for consultation only, not treatment. Remember we were just first responders who got out without wallets from home. These girls had no money on them. It was a stalemate. We literally waited for their fathers to come from out of town.

I just left the ER now, the parents have arrived and finally the girls will be treated. I wish them well. However this was just an eye opener to me. Zimbabwean healthcare needs a major facelift. People will continue to die of avoidable complications until then.