The number of deaths at Maputo's Central Hospital (HCM) fell during the period in which the doctors were on strike, according to HCM's Director General, Mouzinho Saíde.

Recently quoted by Radio MozambiqueSaíde noted that in the 40 or so days of the doctors' strike, 392 deaths were recorded. He also noted that compared to the same period last year, in August, when the doctors were providing all the health services, there were 33 more deaths, or 425.

"In terms of mortality, as you can see, it's even reduced, because the number of patients has also reduced substantially. Where we had reduced activity was in the number of consultations and surgical interventions. But other activity has remained regular, especially in terms of care," he said.

On the other hand, the Director General of the country's largest hospital said that all the activities are currently taking place in full, with all the doctors present.

Mouzinho Saíde was speaking on the sidelines of the delivery of material furniture to the HCM by the Minister of Health, Armindo Tiago.