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Twenty-two people were reportedly recorded to be dead, others admitted of silicosis disease in Kwekwe District.
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a common mineral found in sand, quartz and many other types of rock. Silicosis mainly affects workers exposed to silica dust in jobs such as construction and mining.
Kwekwe, a mining town, has recently recorded an upward increase of silicosis cases amid reports that 22 people died from this disease.
Kwekwe General Hospital Medical Superintendent, Doctor Patricia Mapanda confirmed the latest development.
“Presently, we have six silicosis patients at our institution and we have so far recorded 22 deaths. It is a disease which causes chest infections mainly from mining activities. Of late, we have been receiving more of these cases,” she said.
Dr Mapanda, who was speaking during the tour of Kwekwe General Hospital by Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube, also outlined some challenges they are facing.
“Presently we don’t have a service vehicle and we have to use one of our ambulances for our day-to-day activities. We are pleading with you Minster to push for the hospital to have the vehicle,” she said.
Dr Mapanda said the construction of doctors’ residence was progressing well.
“We are building a new doctors’ residence after the one we had was razed down by fire three years ago. Government has since released the funds for the construction of the new houses,” she said.
Dr Mapanda said they have since converted a ward which formerly catered for Covid-19 patients into an intensive care ward for silicosis patients.
“Previously, the ward we are now using for these patients it was a male surgical ward before we turned into Covid- 19 ward. Post Covid-19, we decided to use the ward as our ICU ward and we are now waiting for Government to give us an anaesthetist who will be servicing the ward,” she said.
She said to date, the ICU ward has admitted about 130 patients.
Minister Ncube urged miners to protect themselves when going about their business.
“While mining contributes to our GDP, severe accidents have been recorded in the sector. I am informed that six patients who inhaled mining dust are admitted on oxygen.
“I therefore urge miners to protect their workers to prevent such cases,” he said.
Minister Ncube said there was a need to raise awareness on the disease.
“The Civil Protection Unit and other stakeholders need to conduct awareness campaigns to conscientize miners about the disease,” he said.
Minister Ncube also urged authorities at the hospital to speed up the construction of the doctors’ residence.
“l am disappointed to note that Government released funds 10 months ago but there is no significant progress in the construction of the houses. I therefore implore you to accelerate the construction of the houses so that our doctors have decent accommodation,” he said.
Established in 1953, Kwekwe General Hospital is one of the oldest health institutions in the country.
The facility is referral hospital for more than 40 primary health care institutions in Kwekwe, Gokwe South and Gokwe North district.
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