Tensions in Chiweshe were running high on Friday after protests by Chiweshe residents turned violent on Thursday, resulting in the arrest of 12 people. Residents have been up in arms over the eviction of Dr. Paul Thistle, who has now taken annual leave before his ‘transfer’ away from the Howard mission next month.
This ‘transfer’ is the official position being taken by the Salvation Army and hospital administrators, despite the forced nature of Dr. Thistle’s dismissal. Earlier this month, Chiweshe residents told SW Radio Africa that armed police had been called in to evict the doctor, apparently on orders from Vice President Joice Mujuru.
Mujuru is a senior Salvation Army official and it is understood that her clampdown on Howard Hospital is part the worsening infighting ZANU PF over the future leadership of the party. Chiweshe is said to be a stronghold of Mujuru’s rival Emmerson Mnangagwa and her attempts to control the respected hospital are allegedly linked to her attempts to control the area.
This fight may now result in the closure of a hospital that is highly regarded and trusted, because Dr. Thistle was the only doctor at the facility. His ‘transfer’ means the facility is only relying on its nursing staff, who have not even been paid since July.
SW Radio Africa correspondent Simon Muchemwa reported on Friday that the hospital was not functioning, although there has been no official announcement. He said that serious cases are being transferred to hospitals in Harare and Concession, while other patients are being discharged without receiving proper care.
The father of one of the prematurely discharged patients told Muchemwa that he had brought his son to the Howard Hospital because of its excellent reputation, saying he had “bragged” about the facility. But his son is now sleeping outside after being discharged.
Muchemwa reported that this was the case for several other patients who could be seen milling outside the hospital, many still with IV plugs in their arms.
“Patients are really in a bad shape. There are some recovering from surgery, some are cancer patients. Many travelled from far across the country because Howard Hospital has such a good reputation,” Muchemwa said.
He added: “The situation is a time bomb because residents are very angry.”
Already 12 residents have been arrested and are being held at the Concession Police Station after their protest against Dr. Thistle’s dismissal turned violent on Thursday. The protesting group overturned a car belonging to a Salvation Army delegation, which in turn had to seek refuge in the hospital buildings. Police were eventually called in and had to use tear gas to break up the protest.
The concern now is for the future of Howard Hospital and for the hundreds of thousands of people who rely on it for care. Many Zimbabweans remember the hospital as the only facility that remained functional when the political and economic crisis saw the collapse of the country’ medical sector. This had been almost entirely because of Dr. Thistle, whose reputation and that of the hospital’s still sees patients travelling from across the country to be treated there. SW Radio Africa
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