Canadian born Dr. Paul Thistle was dismissed in August under unclear circumstances, a decision that led to violent protests by outraged Chiweshe residents. The Hospital meanwhile has been left to run at limited capacity, and many patients have been either turned away or discharged without full care, because Dr. Thistle was the chief doctor and only surgeon there.
The doctor was given 24 hours to leave the hospital and then 48 hours to leave Zimbabwe, with no explanation from the Salvation Army other than that the decision was apart of ‘internal processes’. He has been barred from the hospital, but is refusing to leave the country while a criminal case hangs over eight of his colleagues, who were arrested and charged with ‘inciting violence’ during the protests in Chiweshe.
An international network of doctors and supporters has since been trying to convince the Salvation Army to reinstate Dr. Thistle because of the looming crisis his absence has created. The Interfaith Friends of Howard Hospital group has had several meetings with the Salvation Army, both in Dr. Thistle’s native Canada and at the international headquarters in London.
But according to the group’s chief coordinator, Dr. Michael Silverman, the Salvation Army has reneged on promises it made to the group to first undergo a review of the situation at Howard Hospital, before making a final decision about Dr. Thistle’s fate. He said they have reiterated their position that Dr. Thistle must leave Zimbabwe by October 5th, despite a replacement only meant to take over at Howard Hospital in December.
“It just doesn’t make any sense. They haven’t given any explanation why he has to leave. I believe it is something internal in the Church, but they haven’t made anything clear,” Dr. Silverman said.
He explained that the situation is likely linked to a financial grant Dr. Thistle had secured for the Howard mission, which was then withdrawn because the Zim leadership of the Salvation Army refused to adhere to transparent accounting for the money. The leadership, which is believed to be heavily influenced by Joice Mujuru as a senior Salvation Army member, said it did not need to account for how the money would be spent.
“It isn’t clear if Dr. Thistle’s dismissal is because of this, but I believe it was,” Dr. Silverman said.
He added that the key concern now is for the fate of the hospital, and the hundreds of thousands of people who have come to rely on its service over the past 16 years. He explained how Dr. Thistle was integral to the existence of the once thriving facility, and without him, “it only spells disaster.”
“The once thriving hospital is operating at 10% capacity. Seven thousand patients in Chiweshe are receiving Anti-Retroviral Therapy, including 3,000 registered at the Howard Hospital’s Tariro HIV/AIDS/TB Clinic. These patients are now at risk of defaulting on their treatment. Eight of the Howard Hospital’s nurses have been arrested following unrest following the dismissal of the Thistles, and approximately 1,500 orphans and vulnerable children have been left without support. International funding is in jeopardy, as donors cannot guarantee their funds will be used for their intended purpose. The humanitarian crisis with people needlessly dying has caused an international outcry,” Dr. Silverman said. – SW Radio Africa News
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It seems wherever ‘Amai’ Mujuru is involved somebody somewhere loses out. The ‘Mother’ of a Nation feeds , nurtures and supports. She doesn’t starve and abuse her children. Once again the siphoning off of funds meant for some good cause has happened.As the chefs grow fatter with their obscene wealth our people starve. When will Zimbabweans say ‘Enough’ we have been abused for too long? Dr Paul Thistle is a good man only wanting to help and bring succour to the under priveleged and so typically in Zimbabwe today good mens efforts fall by the wayside and evil triumphs again.