The Heartless Pursuit of Profit in Zimbabwe’s Private Hospitals

By Dr MASIMBA MAVAZA

The commodification of healthcare in Zimbabwe’s private hospitals has reached alarming levels. Medical professionals, once revered for their dedication to healing, have become mercenaries driven by greed.

The tragic story of Mr Majuru, a UK visitor who died after being denied treatment at a private hospital in Bulawayo due to lack of upfront payment, is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences.

Another tragic death of another Zimbabwean, who was denied treatment at a private hospital in Bulawayo due to lack of upfront payment, highlights the dark reality of healthcare in Zimbabwe’s private sector.

The hospital’s demand for $5,000 before treating her, despite her critical condition, is a stark reminder that some medical professionals prioritise profits over human life.

All private hospitals in Harare demand an upfront payment of thousands of dollars before they can start treating the patient regardless of the condition.

This incident is not isolated.

Many private hospitals in Zimbabwe require patients to pay in full before receiving treatment, even in emergency situations.

This practice is not only morally reprehensible but also contradicts the fundamental principles of medical ethics.

Private hospitals prioritise profits over patients, demanding full payment before providing treatment, even in emergency situations.

Doctors are trained to prioritise patient welfare, yet many have abandoned their Hippocratic oath, choosing financial gain over human life.

Doctors are further trained to prioritise patient welfare and provide timely interventions to save lives.

However, in Zimbabwe’s private hospitals, the pursuit of financial gain has become the primary focus.

The consequences are dire: delayed treatment, unnecessary suffering, and preventable deaths.

The Zimbabwean government, through the Ministry of Health, must take immediate action to address this crisis.

Implementing universal healthcare, funded by taxpayers, would ensure that everyone receives essential medical care regardless of their financial situation.

Universal healthcare, funded by taxpayers, is the only solution to guarantee equitable access to quality medical care.

Additionally, stricter regulations and accountability measures are needed to prevent private hospitals from prioritising profits over patients.

As citizens, we must also recognise the value of human life and demand better from our healthcare system.

It’s time to challenge the notion that healthcare is a privilege, not a right.

We must work towards creating a society where medical care is accessible, affordable, and compassionate.

The private healthcare sector in Zimbabwe is facing intense scrutiny for prioritising profits over patient welfare.

The sector’s focus on generating revenue has led to exorbitant charges, delayed treatments, and unnecessary deaths.

Many private hospitals demand upfront payment before providing treatment, even in emergency situations, leaving vulnerable patients to suffer.

The major cause of hospital deaths is treatment delay, with many Zimbabweans dying in the hands of carers.

The situation is further exacerbated by the country’s economic crisis, which has led to a shortage of medical supplies and equipment.

The Two-Tier SystemZimbabwe’s healthcare system is divided into two parallel structures: well-funded private hospitals and under-resourced public hospitals. This dichotomy creates a stark divide between the ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’, where access to quality healthcare is determined by one’s financial means.

Private hospitals, driven by profit motives, prioritise specialised procedures and surgeries, attracting patients who can afford premium care.

In contrast, public hospitals, plagued by resource shortages and crumbling infrastructure, struggle to provide basic medical services.

The Need for Reform

The government must intervene to address the commercialisation of healthcare.

Regulating charges for GP appointments and private hospitals is a step in the right direction.

However, more needs to be done to ensure equitable access to quality healthcare for all Zimbabweans.

A balanced approach is necessary, maintaining dialogue with stakeholders while observing objectivity and independence.

The government should prioritise investing in public healthcare, addressing staff shortages, and improving infrastructure.

A Call to ActionIt’s time for the government to take responsibility for the healthcare crisis. The dying must not be taken advantage of.

Private hospitals must prioritise patient welfare over profits, and the government must ensure accountability and transparency in the healthcare sector.

The commodification of healthcare is a ticking time bomb.

If left unchecked, it will continue to claim lives and perpetuate inequality.

The government must act now to safeguard the health and well-being of Zimbabweans.

The stories from private hospitals serve as a painful reminder of the consequences of a healthcare system driven by greed.

Let us honour the memory of Zimbabweans who are shortchanged in private hospitals by advocating for change and ensuring that no one else suffers a similar fate.

The situation is dire: delayed treatments, unnecessary suffering, and preventable deaths.

Zimbabweans are dying at the hands of carers, victims of a system that values money over human life.

The government’s inaction is complicit, allowing private hospitals to operate with impunity.

A Call to ActionIt’s time for the government to intervene, regulate the private healthcare sector, and ensure accountability.

The medical profession must reclaim its noble values, prioritising patient welfare over profits.

Doctors must remember their oath: “Do no harm.”

The sanctity of human life is non-negotiable; it’s time for Zimbabwe’s private hospitals to reflect this.

The people demand change.

The government must act now to safeguard the health and well-being of Zimbabweans.

The dying must not be taken advantage of.