Medical supplies, in particular drugs were said to be in short supply at the time of the
visit. Medication for Anti-Retroviral Treatment (ART) were available but rendered less
effective due to poor diet. Nevertheless, in regards to other illnesses inmates pointed
out that paracetamol was the most available drug at the institution. The inmates also
grumbled that in terms of medicines for chronical illnesses, the supply was inconsistent
and erratic. The health personnel at the prison indicated that they were guided by the
Zimbabwe Patient Charter (ZPC), which states that all patients should be treated
equally with the critical ones being served first. The ZPC states that patients have a
right to access the health system at the time of need, both as non-paying and paying
patients. In the event that patients have contact with the health service, it is important
for them to remember that the service is there to respond to their needs. General rights
to access and treatment deals with hospitality, confidentiality, privacy, discrimination,
choice and redress grievances5. The nurse in charge pointed out that the last death was
recorded was in 2013. The deceased was a chronic patient.
Fig 5: Picture showing some of the beds for patients at the clinic and the consultation room.
vi. Clothing and Bedding
5
Zimbabwe Patient Charter for the treatment of patients
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