Services at the mortuary, laboratory, radiology (X-Ray) and the pharmacy have already been privatised, pushing them beyond the reach of the poor.
“Government should help ensure that medical facilities are affordable for all as provided for in the constitution. This should include the marginalised groups,” said Marvellous Khumalo, chairperson of the Chitungwiza Residents Trust, noting that privatisation was not the way to go given the economic crisis gripping the country.
“Last Thursday we engaged authorities at Chitungwiza Hospital on the issue. We expressed our concerns to Obediah Moyo, the chief executive officer at the institution and his senior staff. If diplomacy fails, we will have no option but to mobilise residents to act against policies that are hostile to the poor in key service delivery areas,” he said.
When reached for comment, Moyo said the hospital was “engaging in partnerships not privatisation”. He promised to comment at a later date but was thereafter unreachable.
David Parirenyatwa, Minister of Health and Child Care, invited this report for an interview at his office, but was not there at the scheduled time.
Doctor Christopher Tapfumaneyi, acting permanent secretary for health, said Moyo must deal with the media. “We cannot speak on his behalf,” he said, suggesting that The Zimbabwean visit the hospital and look for Moyo.
Post published in: Health