Residents of the Chuiba
neighborhood have expressed dissatisfaction with the care provided by nurses at
the local Health Unit (US). The most common complaints include delays in
service, recommendations to purchase medication at private pharmacies, and a
lack of understanding regarding how the service operates.
One of the residents, Amina
Mahando, pointed out that nurses often take a long time to attend to patients
and, on several occasions, direct them to purchase prescribed medication at
private pharmacies, which poses a difficulty for many locals. "They tell
us to buy the medication at a private pharmacy, but most of us don’t have the
money," explained Amina, visibly frustrated with the situation. She also
mentioned that healthcare workers only start attending to patients at 8 a.m.,
which delays the service, especially in emergency situations like children
having seizures.
The dissatisfaction with the
service hours was also emphasized, particularly by Amina, who stressed that the
delay is especially harmful to children in critical conditions. She underscored
the importance of a quick response from the healthcare team, particularly in
urgent cases.
In response to the
complaints, a member of the management at Chuiba Health Unit acknowledged that
some of the complaints are valid, but pointed out that part of the
dissatisfaction may stem from a lack of understanding of how the service functions.
"We are still working
to improve the service and ensure the satisfaction of our patients," the
member stated.
He also took the opportunity
to explain that some of the US buildings were damaged by Cyclone Idai, which
has hindered the improvement of the service conditions. Despite this, the
services continue to be provided.
The technician further
mentioned that some areas of the health center, such as the maternity ward, are
without a roof due to cyclone damage, but activities are still being carried
out.
"The delivery service
is functioning, but there are sectors that lack ideal infrastructure," he
explained.
A nurse from the Maternal
and Child Health (SMI) department also commented on the situation, stating that
many patients do not understand the dynamics of the service, expecting the
process to be quicker than what is feasible.
"Some patients think
that upon arrival, they will be attended to immediately, as if it were an
emergency delivery, which is not the case. Even after explaining, many continue
to complain about the service," said the nurse.
On the other hand, another
manager at the Chuiba US, who preferred to remain anonymous, emphasized that
despite the criticism, the team’s work has been intense to ensure the
continuity of services. She mentioned that, up to now, there have been no
alarming cases of waterborne diseases in the community, despite the challenges
faced.
"The collaboration of
technicians and community volunteers has been essential for the continuity of
services," said the responsible official. (Mozanorte)
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