Impact of Economic Crisis on Provision of Rehabilitation Services at Ruwa National Rehabilitation Hospital (2018-2022)

Abstract

This research sought to examine the impact of economic crisis towards provision of rehabilitation services at Ruwa National Rehabilitation Hospital (2018-2022). As the only rehabilitation hospital which deals with spinal cord, neurological and head injuries in Zimbabwe, it has been operating far below its capacity encountering numerous challenges due to the economic catastrophe which has resulted a dilemma in the healthcare system. This has resulted neglect of rehabilitative services which provided people in need of these services greater significance such as improving the quality of life, preventing loss of function, reduction of dependency on other people, saving life’s, helping individuals to engage on daily activities with self-support. These services are life changing to the individuals and the community of Zimbabwe, hence this study was meant to bright light to the challenges faced so as to have a clear insight of how they impact lives of individuals in need of rehabilitation services but also improvement of healthcare as a whole. The researcher involved the use of questionnaires and interview for case study design for data collection at Ruwa National Rehabilitation Hospital. The researcher used content and thematic analysis to analyze the data collected and made use of tables and pie charts to represent the findings. The study is concluded by recommendations addressed to the ministry of health and Ruwa National Rehabilitation hospital and an area of further research which will be beneficial when learning more about the effects of lack of rehabilitation services on disabled individuals as there is little to no information on the disability sector.