Mozambique: Maputo Hospital appeals for passage of medical staff and blood donations

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Mozambique: Maputo Hospital appeals for passage of medical staff and blood donations

1:02 CAT | 24 Dec 2024

File photo: Adrien Barbier/AFP

The Maputo Central Hospital (HCM) today called on protesters contesting the election results to “allow medical professionals to pass,” citing the influx of patients and critically low blood supplies.

“Due to the situation where healthcare workers cannot access the Maputo Central Hospital [HCM] and other health facilities, we appeal to protesters to allow ambulances to pass and for healthcare workers to reach the hospital to treat patients,” said Mouzinho Saíde, the hospital’s director, during a press conference this morning.

“Many of the patients coming to us are in critical condition and need urgent treatment. Without available teams, we cannot provide care. So, ambulances carrying healthcare workers or patients must be allowed to circulate freely,” he insisted, acknowledging the challenges of assembling medical teams.

On Monday afternoon, Mozambique’s Constitutional Council declared Daniel Chapo, supported by the ruling Mozambique Liberation Front (Frelimo), the winner of the presidential election with 65.17% of the votes, succeeding Filipe Nyusi. Frelimo also retained its parliamentary majority in the October 9 general elections.

This announcement sparked chaos across the country, with protests, barricades, looting, and clashes with police, who have been firing shots to disperse crowds. Provisional reports from NGOs on the ground indicate at least three fatalities and multiple injuries. None of the other three presidential candidates have recognized the election results.

During the press conference, the HCM director also highlighted a critical blood shortage at Mozambique’s largest hospital.

“Last year, we had 718 blood units available; this year, we only have 180 units—far below our needs. Yesterday [Monday], we managed only 55 transfusions, with 20 requests unmet,” said Mouzinho Saíde, adding that on a “normal” day, HCM requires 100 units of 0.45 liters.

“We appeal to anyone who can donate blood to visit the HCM blood bank. We urgently need donations. Most of the cases we are receiving are surgical, and most of these cases will require blood,” he emphasized.

Source: Lusa