Full list of things you need to buy when having a C-section in a Zimbabwe public hospital
A woman who gave birth at Mutare General Hospital has revealed a heartbreaking list of items she was forced to buy before undergoing a C-section. The list, shared by journalist Hopewell Chin’ono on X, has sparked outrage online.
“Those who failed to buy these things were just left like that until they managed to purchase them,” she wrote in a message sent to Chin’ono.
“Those who had emergencies were operated on, but nothing was given to them afterwards to ease the pain. It is tough and heartbreaking.”
The list includes 24 essential items — from medication to surgical tools — and paints a grim picture of Zimbabwe’s public healthcare system.
“You bring everything – or you wait”
The message from the new mother came after Chin’ono posted about maternal deaths in Zimbabwe. In response, she shared what patients are expected to bring to hospital.
“Following the post you made about women dying while giving birth, I recently gave birth at Mutare General Hospital,” the message reads.
“The list below is what I was asked to buy before my C-section.”
Here’s the full list of items the patient was told to purchase:
-
Large Cosmopore dressing
-
Vicryl sutures (0 x5 and 1 x2)
-
Ephedrine 30mg (x2)
-
Zinc oxide roll
-
Large abdominal swabs (x5)
-
Surgical gloves (x6 pairs)
-
Betadine 200ml
-
Cytotec tablets (x4)
-
Oxytocin 10 IV (x2)
-
Bupivacaine (x1 vial)
-
Spinal needles (x2)
-
Cannulas 16g (x2)
-
Large strapping roll
-
Foley’s catheter size 16
-
IV and oral antibiotics, painkillers and fluids — enough to last a week
Without these, she claimed, patients were left unattended until all supplies were bought.
Outrage online as others share their stories
The post triggered strong reactions on social media. One user, Brian Manwele, recalled his own struggle:
“This reminds me of 2018, the morning after my wife’s surgery at Gomo. I was given a list as well… Mushonga uchinzi $625, ndasara ne$500. Ndakazonokwira combi ndichiita kunge ndoda kunovhura yangu pharmacy.”
Another user, Victor, commented:
“Then you hear a whole health minister saying people are happy with the services… we need NEW leaders.”
Dr Tirivanhu Gunguwo, who works with charities donating medical supplies, said:
“This saddens [me] to see the state of healthcare crumbling like this. I’m involved with Rotary & Americare in medical supplies donations to Mutare General Hospital.”
Others questioned whether the crisis is being exploited for profit.
“Looks like the lack of medicines is actually deliberate,” wrote MgciniKaMama.
“Clearly there are people making a killing on the side.”
A health system under pressure
Once known for its strong health system, Zimbabwe now faces serious shortages. Social media users and activists have pointed to systemic issues and called for urgent reforms.
Veteran broadcaster Peter Ndoro weighed in:
“Zimbabwe’s health system was once an enviable model of efficiency & effectiveness. For women to die unnecessarily at what is meant to be the most joyous time, giving birth, is a crying shame.”
Despite government claims of improving services, many say the reality on the ground tells a different story.
Follow Us on Google News for Immediate Updates
The post From Gloves to IV Fluids: What Pregnant Zimbabwean Mothers Must Bring to Hospital For C-Section Surgery appeared first on iHarare News.
