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Masvingo Bureau
Government has reinstated two senior doctors at Chiredzi General Hospital who were earlier this year suspended on accusations of rampant absenteeism and negligence believed to have resulted in the death of several patients. The two, Dr Tungamirai Rukatya and a Dr Dube, were recently re-instated to their positions after they were issued with final written warnings by the Health and Child Care ministry.

Their suspensions followed complaints by patients over their conduct which forced the Health and Child Care ministry to investigate. They were, among other charges, accused of negligence suspected to have caused about seven avoidable deaths out of the 18 recorded at Chiredzi General Hospital last year.

Acting Masvingo provincial medical director Dr Amadeous Shamu confirmed the reinstatement of the two doctors. “The two doctors who were suspended at Chiredzi Hospital have since been reinstated after they were reprimanded for their conduct,’’ he said.

“They were given written warnings and are now back at work. They know the Code of Conduct and what is expected of them and so far there are no problems,’’ said Dr Shamu.

He could not be drawn into revealing what action could be taken against the two medical practitioners should they relapse. Dr Shamu hailed the general conduct of medical officers at other State-owned hospitals and health institutions in Masvingo who he said executed their jobs well.

In April this year, the ministry dispatched a team of investigators at three district hospitals across Masvingo following reports of negligence and rampant absenteeism. The investigations led to the immediate transfer of one medical officer from Chivi District Hospital to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and the suspension of two doctors at Chiredzi General Hospital.