Health and Child Welfare minister, Dr Henry Madzorera, made these remarks when he received medical equipment worth over US$250 000 on behalf of Mutare Provincial Hospital. The equipment was sourced by a local church from Project Africa run by Dr James J Seymour in North Carolina United State of America.
Dr Madzorera told the gathering, which included church leaders, top health officials and civic society that the level of corruption and greediness in the health sector had reached unacceptable levels.
He said that although he appreciated efforts by churches and international donors to help resuscitate the collapsed health sector by sourcing equipment for the poor, there was need to “cleanse the demon” of greediness and corruption.
“I was briefed by the Provincial Medical Director Dr Milton Chemhuru that people are stealing anything they lay hands on. It’s a demon that needs to be cleansed,” he said.
It also came out that one of the hospitals in Nyanga was left with no sinks, water taps or doors after the staff at the hospital vandalised the equipment and sold it to sustain their meagre salaries.
Dr Madzorera said his ministry had received numerous reports of drug scandals from local health centres.
“Report such people to the police because it’s illegal and they are draining public funds through their unorthodox deals. They are also endangering the lives of the public,” said Dr Madzorera.
The equipment sourced by the local church included 25 electric beds, protective clothing, laboratory supplies, tables and blood pressure machines.
Post published in: News