Mpilo Hospital Stops Covid-19 Testing Due To Lack Of Resources

By Staff Reporter
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12993
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May 14, 2020

THE Covid-19 testing laboratory in Bulawayo, which has been struggling to clear a backlog of about 700 cases, has stopped conducting tests due to a critical shortage of consumables.

This was revealed yesterday by the director of the National University of Science and Technology (Nust) Applied Genetic Testing Centre, Mr Zephaniah Dhlamini. Mr Dhlamini made the remarks during a tour of Nust by Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation and Science Technology Development Deputy Minister Raymore Machingura to assess the university’s state of preparedness in response to the fight against Covid-19.

Mr Dhlamini attributed the latest development to the non-availability of testing kits to conduct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing at Mpilo Central Hospital’s National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory (NTBRL). He said so far, they had conducted more than 3 000 tests at Mpilo’s NTBRL using Nust resources with an average of 350 PCR tests per day.

“There is a backlog of over 700 cases not tested and as Nust, we ended up saying we can longer continue subsidising this Covid-19 testing. The institution is not being paid for it, but we are using our resources hence we are saying until we receive the requisite resources, we are not going to be doing the testing and that is what is on the ground,” he said.

“If you go to Mpilo Central Hospital right now you will realise that there is no testing happening because the supplies are not there and it’s a sad development. I am therefore pleading with our ministry to talk with officials at the Ministry of Health and Child Care to support our team as we are using our machines without getting any compensation.”

Mr Dhlamini said Nust offered to assist the Mpilo NTBRL with qualified personnel and the real-time PCR testing machines that can be used for qualitative and quantitative detection of Covid-19 ribonucleic acid (RNA) from various samples.

“We were made to believe that we were supposed to be capacitated in terms of resources for testing and all we got were donated PRC testing kits and there was nothing else in terms of consumables. We were being promised that these things are coming and we kept on telling the relevant authorities that we are coming from the Nust innovation hub where our role is to make money by DNA testing for the institution,” he said.

“Now we have moved our equipment and staff to Mpilo and we are no longer doing our core business, which is generating funds for the university through DNA testing and to make matters worse we were not given consumables.”

Mr Dhlamini said despite lending the Ministry of Health and Child Care their laboratory equipment such as micro-centric tubes, the university is not getting enough support.

“We have sent numerous emails to different people including the Minister of Finance and Economic Development who was here recently and he promised to look into this issue, but nothing is coming through. There is need at that level to say that someone has to pay because we can’t be doing charity work at this point in time,” he said.

Bulawayo’s Covid-19 testing started at Mpilo last month after Nust moved in some of its equipment to complement Government efforts in fighting the pandemic. Previously, tests were only conducted at the National Microbiology Reference Laboratory at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare.

Bulawayo Provincial Affairs Minister Judith Ncube said they were seized with the matter. She said they are now engaging Local Government and Public Works Minister July Moyo in his capacity as the provincial representative on the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on Covid-19.

“The development at Mpilo Central Hospital is unfortunate. I am aware that those people are willing and committed to do their work and I believe if they get the requisite tools, they are bound to deliver,” she said.

“I am, therefore, engaging our representative Minister July Moyo who is our representative here in Bulawayo at national taskforce level so that he looks into this issue. As Bulawayo, we regret that it has turned out that way, but we are addressing the issue and giving it the urgency that it deserves in light of this global pandemic.”

Lately, the testing centre has been overwhelmed with samples following increased tests nationally.

Acting Bulawayo provincial medical director Dr Welcome Mlilo confirmed the surge in Covid-19 samples which the laboratory was not capacitated to handle. The backlog is even affecting suspected Covid-19 patients who are told to self-isolate while waiting for results.

So far, Bulawayo has recorded 12 positive Covid-19 cases with one of them being fatal. The situation has seen Bulawayo delaying retesting the 11 other Covid-19 patients to check if they have recovered. The laboratory is supposed to conduct PCR tests for Bulawayo, Matabeleland South, Matabeleland North, Midlands and Masvingo.

Contacted for comment, the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Obadiah Moyo referred questions to the director for laboratory services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Raiva Simbi who was, however, unavailable.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Machingura said he was happy with the work by Nust in assisting the nation in terms of fighting Covid-19.

“When we came here, we were very impressed with what we saw at Nust where they are producing sanitisers. We have also given them tips on how they can increase production and the thrust by Nust to engage SMEs is very encouraging,” he said.

Most of the products from Nust are taken to Natpham and Bulawayo City Council. Nust in partnership with TICOZ Enterprises, has produced 10 000 face masks.

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Update

Info News

GLP-1 Weight Loss Without Insurance: Cost, Options, and What to Know

GLP-1 Weight Loss Without Insurance: What You Need to Know

Many people are searching for GLP-1 weight loss without insurance because coverage can be confusing, limited, or unavailable.

Some insurance plans cover weight loss medications. Some only cover them for diabetes. Some require prior authorization. Others do not cover them at all.

That leaves many people asking the same question: can I start a GLP-1 weight loss program without insurance?

The answer is yes, but you need to compare your options carefully.

GLP-1 medications are prescription treatments. They should be used under medical supervision, and the NIDDK advises people to talk with a health care professional about the risks and benefits before taking medication for obesity.

Why GLP-1 Costs Can Be High Without Insurance

Without insurance, the total cost may include several things:

Provider consultation
Lab work
Prescription medication
Follow-up visits
Nutrition support
Program membership
Shipping
Dose changes
Refills

Some people only look at the monthly program fee, but that may not include the medication. Others see a medication price but forget about lab work and follow-up visits.

The real cost is the full monthly or long-term cost.

What Affects the Cost?
1. Brand-Name Medication vs. Other Options

Brand-name medications may cost more, especially without insurance. Your provider should explain what is being prescribed, why, and whether it is appropriate for your health situation.

2. In-Person Clinic vs. Telehealth

In-person clinics may charge separately for visits, labs, injections, or coaching.

Telehealth programs may charge a monthly fee that includes provider access, but medication may still be separate.

3. Lab Work

Some programs require labs before starting. This can add cost, but it may also improve safety.

4. Follow-Up Frequency

More medical support may cost more, but it can also be valuable if you have side effects, dose questions, or health concerns.

5. Pharmacy Source

Medication source matters. Be cautious with extremely cheap offers, especially from unverified sellers.

The FDA has warned about unapproved and fraudulent GLP-1 products, including products marketed with false information on labels.

How to Compare GLP-1 Programs Without Insurance

Before you choose a program, compare these details:

Total Monthly Cost

Ask for the real cost, not just the starting fee.

Questions to ask:

Is medication included?
Are provider visits included?
Are labs included?
Are there refill fees?
Is shipping included?
Is coaching included?
Are there cancellation fees?

Provider Qualifications

You should know who is managing your care.

Ask:

Is the provider licensed in my state?
Will I meet with a real clinician?
How often can I contact the provider?
Who do I call if I have side effects?

Medication Source

This is one of the most important questions.

Ask:

What medication will I receive?
Is it FDA-approved?
What pharmacy fills it?
Is the pharmacy licensed?
Will I receive clear dosing instructions?

Follow-Up Care

A safe program should not disappear after payment.

Ask:

How often are check-ins?
What happens if I feel sick?
How are dose changes handled?
Will labs be repeated?
Do you help with maintenance?

Is Cheap GLP-1 Weight Loss Safe?

Cheap is not always unsafe, but extremely cheap offers should raise questions.

Be careful with:

Social media sellers
“Research use only” products
No-prescription offers
Mystery injections
No medical screening
No pharmacy information
No follow-up care
Unrealistic claims

If a product does not require a prescription, that is a serious warning sign.

What About Compounded GLP-1 Medications?

Compounded medications are a complicated topic.

The FDA has issued updated statements as GLP-1 supply has stabilized and has reminded compounders that certain legal conditions must be met for compounded drugs to qualify for exemptions.

The FDA has also proposed excluding semaglutide, tirzepatide, and liraglutide from the 503B bulks list, saying there is no clinical need for outsourcing facilities to compound those drugs from bulk substances.

For readers, the key point is simple: do not assume every compounded GLP-1 offer is safe, legal, or appropriate. Ask questions and use licensed medical professionals.

Can You Use HSA or FSA Funds?

Some people may be able to use HSA or FSA funds for eligible medical expenses, but rules vary. You should check with your plan administrator before assuming coverage.

Keep receipts, prescriptions, and provider documentation.

How to Save Money Safely

Here are safer ways to manage costs:

Check insurance requirements
Ask about prior authorization
Compare licensed telehealth providers
Ask your doctor about alternatives
Use manufacturer savings programs if eligible
Ask about lab pricing upfront
Avoid unnecessary add-ons
Focus on nutrition and exercise support
Plan for long-term costs before starting

Do not choose unsafe products just to save money.

Lifestyle Still Matters Without Insurance

If you are paying cash, you want every dollar to count. That means the medication should be paired with a strong lifestyle plan.

Focus on:

Protein at every meal
Vegetables daily
Water instead of sugary drinks
Walking most days
Strength training twice weekly
Sleep improvement
Stress control
Meal planning

The CDC recommends adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly and muscle-strengthening activity at least 2 days per week.

What to Eat on a GLP-1 Program

Because appetite may drop, you need nutrient-dense meals.

Good options include:

Eggs
Greek yogurt
Chicken
Fish
Beans
Lentils
Lean meat
Tofu
Vegetables
Fruit
Oats
Sweet potatoes
Brown rice
Avocado
Olive oil

Avoid relying on tiny meals with poor nutrition. Weight loss should not mean malnutrition.

Common Mistakes People Make
Choosing Based Only on Price

Low price means nothing if the care is poor or the medication source is questionable.

Ignoring Side Effects

Digestive symptoms can happen. You need medical guidance if symptoms are severe or persistent.

Not Eating Enough Protein

Low appetite can lead to low protein intake. That may increase muscle loss risk.

No Maintenance Plan

What happens after you lose weight? That question should be answered early.

Final Thoughts

GLP-1 weight loss without insurance is possible, but it requires careful planning.

Compare total cost, provider quality, medication source, follow-up care, and long-term support. Avoid shortcuts that put your health at risk.

The best program is not just affordable. It is safe, transparent, medically supervised, and built for long-term success.

Structured Settlement vs Lump Sum Payment

A structured settlement provides payments over time instead of one full payment upfront. This is common in personal injury cases, lawsuits, and insurance settlements.

A lump sum settlement gives the recipient all the money at once. Both options have advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of Structured Settlements

Structured payments can provide steady income, reduce the risk of spending money too quickly, and help cover future expenses. An annuity settlement may be designed to pay monthly, yearly, or at scheduled times.

Benefits of Lump Sum Payments

A lump sum gives immediate access to funds. This may help pay medical bills, debt, home expenses, or investment opportunities. However, poor money management can create long-term problems.

Selling a Structured Settlement

Some people search for ways to sell structured settlement payments for cash. This can provide money quickly, but the payout may be less than the total future value.