Claim: The Government of Zimbabwe has acquired Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines for Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo and Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare.
The National Communications Centre through their X account reported that the government had acquired MRI scans for the country’s two major hospitals.
“This development aims to reduce the cost of MRI scans for patients and improve healthcare services in the country. Previously, MRI scans were only available at private health institutions, costing at least US$500 per scan, which many patients could not afford,” read the claim.
“The MRI scan is used to diagnose various conditions, such as soft tissue damage, cancers, tumours. Ligament damage, and joint injury or disease.”
Verdict: True.
Contacted for a comment, Mpilo Hospital Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narcacius Dzvanga confirmed the development.
The development was also published in The Sunday News edition of 29 October 2023 which quoted Dr Dzvanga saying they have been waiting for the machine for almost five years and it is good news that the machine is now on site and is being installed.
