A shocking investigation by The Herald has uncovered a web of corruption at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare, involving rogue medical staff and drug agents.
The syndicate exploits vulnerable patients, diverting government-supplied medications to the black market and selling them at exorbitant prices.
Patients face severe shortages of medical supplies, prompting doctors to prescribe alternative medications available only at private pharmacies.
Desperate patients are forced to pay hefty sums in US dollars. Eyewitnesses describe covert transactions between agents and patients at the hospital canteen.
One elderly man was spotted buying medication from an agent in exchange for cash. Concerned citizens and patients have called for government intervention, citing widespread corruption and neglect:
– Patients are asked to bring water from home due to hospital shortages.
– Nurses allegedly solicit medication from relatives of deceased patients, selling it to agents.
– Unused medications are resold, exploiting grieving families. A doctor, speaking anonymously, attributed the issues to administrative failures, citing:
– 19 boreholes on hospital grounds, yet no water for patients.
– Well-watered lawns outside, but none for medical use. Chief Medical Officer Hopewell Mungani acknowledged potential corruption, inviting collaboration with the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission and police to address the issue.
The hospital faces allegations of:
– Diverting government-supplied medications to the black market. – Exploiting patients through private pharmacies.
– Neglecting basic needs, such as water provision. The government must act swiftly to address these concerns, ensuring transparency, accountability, and quality healthcare for all.
