KADOMA - Health Minister Henry Madzorera has admitted that there is corruption in the delivery of anti-viral medication (ARVs) in Zimbabwe and vowed to stamp out the practice. (Pictured: Health Minister Henry Madzorera)
“Customer care and corruption is a big problem . corruption is everywhere among civil servants, including the police and elsewhere. The Ministry has no policy (condoning) corruption,” Madzorera said last week.
The minister was responding to complaints by HIV/AIDS and human rights activists about health personnel who demand bribes and other favours from people living with AIDS before giving them the drugs, which are supposed to be free.
In October, the respected Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights published a report entitled “Corruption Burns Universal Access” alleging that some health workers were demanding bribes of up to $250 before issuing ARVs to sick people. AIDS activists told the Minister on World AIDS Day here last Wednesday that the practice was continuing. Madzorera said the health ministry would welcome evidence against offenders. He also said health staff, would be trained on ethical behaviour.
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