With its operating room “running 24 hours a day without stopping” amid post-election social unrest, Maputo Central Hospital (HCM), Mozambique’s largest medical facility, faces severe challenges, including dwindling blood supplies and disruptions to essential services.
On Wednesday, December 25, the hospital’s management described the situation as a “critical moment,” citing an inability to secure food deliveries or adequate staffing due to ongoing unrest. “We are experiencing an unprecedented crisis at HCM, with a significant increase in trauma cases compared to previous years and a reduced number of health professionals”, stated Eugênia Macassa, the hospital’s deputy clinical director. She reported a deficit of 200 on-duty staff, with some teams working non-stop for “48 to 72 hours.”
The turmoil has made access to the hospital difficult for healthcare workers and suppliers. “We urgently appeal for permission to allow ambulances and health workers to reach the hospital so we can provide the necessary care to patients,” Macassa pleaded.
In the past 24 hours, the hospital’s adult emergency room treated 161 patients, 117 of whom suffered trauma injuries—double the number seen during the same period in 2023. Of these, 62 were victims of gunshot wounds, with two dying upon arrival in critical condition. The spike in injuries coincides with violent clashes between protesters contesting the general election results and authorities.
HCM, which has a capacity of 1,500 beds and currently houses 900 patients, is also grappling with a “serious food crisis.” Macassa explained, “Our suppliers are unable to reach the hospital. If this continues, we may run out of food for our patients within hours.”
The hospital’s blood supply is also under strain. With only 111 bags of blood available, far below the daily requirement of around 100 liters, the situation is particularly dire. Meanwhile, the broader unrest has led to 236 “acts of serious violence” in 24 hours, including attacks on police stations and prisons, resulting in 21 deaths, according to Mozambique’s Minister of the Interior. Authorities have announced an immediate reinforcement of security to address the escalating crisis.