Utano Extends Helping Hand To Knee And Hip Surgery Patients At Parirenyatwa Hospital
Utano Africa, a local distribution company representing the Indian-based manufacturer Meril, known for producing hip and knee implants, generously donated five of these implants to patients on the waiting list in Harare’s central hospitals.
Teaming up with Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Utano Africa facilitated operations for five patients in need. Three patients underwent knee replacements, while two received hip replacements.
According to HealthTimes, Mr. Calvin Majoro, the business development officer at Utano Africa, explained that they’ve initiated an exchange program, sending five Zimbabwean doctors to India to learn the latest trends in joint replacement surgery. Additionally, they plan to conduct a masterclass in Zimbabwe in collaboration with Meril, bringing in surgeons from other countries to enhance local expertise.
Mr. Majoro highlighted the cost of knee and hip replacements, ranging from US$7000 to US$10,000, and urged the corporate sector to assist in covering these expenses.
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Dr. Akimu Mageza, the Head of Orthopedics at Parirenyatwa, emphasized the importance of private-public partnerships in making healthcare more affordable. He stressed that affordable implants reduce the financial burden on both patients and the government.
Dr. Mageza explained that the total cost for hip or knee replacement is approximately US$7,000, with variables such as the type of implant and hospital. He expressed hope for partnerships to bring down costs and support surgeries in government institutions.
Dr. Munyaradzi Ndekwere, Head of Orthopedics at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, affirmed Zimbabwe’s capability to perform joint replacements but cited financial constraints as the main obstacle. He expressed optimism that increased competition in the market could lead to reduced implant prices, making surgeries more accessible to patients. HealthTimes
