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From George Maponga in Masvingo
Government has reportedly opened investigations into the operations of three referral hospitals in Masvingo amid reports of rampant absenteeism by senior doctors resulting in 10 avoidable deaths at the three centres last year. Sources yesterday said two senior doctors have since been suspended at Chiredzi General Hospital over three maternal deaths that were reportedly caused by negligence, while two doctors were also transferred from Chivi District Hospital for absenteeism and negligence.

One of the doctors who was stationed at Chivi Hospital was reportedly transferred to Parirenyatwa Hospital.

Out of the 18 deaths of patients at Chiredzi General Hospital last year, about seven were suspected to have been caused by negligence by doctors resulting in the suspension of Dr Tungamirai Rukatya and one doctor only called Dube.

There had also been many complaints by patients over the conduct of the team of doctors at Chiredzi General Hospital.

“Two doctors were suspended at Chiredzi Hospital after a team of investigators was sent following complaints from patients over the doctors at the institution who were no longer reporting for work as they spent most of their time doing personal business,’’ said an official at Chiredzi General Hospital who refused to be named.