Drug vendors invade Sally Mugabe Central Hospital
Herald Reporter
SUSPECTED drug agents with ties to hospital staff have invaded Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare, amid accusations that some doctors are prescribing alternative medical sundries not available in-house and referring patients to their private pharmacies, where patients are forced to pay exorbitant United States dollar prices.
This also comes at a time when there are suspicions that some of the drugs are being diverted to the black market despite the Government’s strenuous efforts to supply medicines to public hospitals and clinics free of charge.
Investigations by The Herald revealed that a syndicate, comprising rogue drug agents and hospital staff, preyed on vulnerable patients and exploited the hospital’s shortages of medical supplies.
The investigation team also uncovered that agents linger around the hospital canteen, approaching patients with prescriptions and offering cheap medication.
One elderly man was spotted being asked to wait at the canteen while an agent retrieved his medication.
The agent swiftly returned with a packet of pills, exchanging them for cash in a covert transaction.
Members of the public have since called on authorities to bring sanity to the hospital, improve service delivery and stamp out corruption that has seen patients being made to pay huge amounts of money for drugs which are sourced by the Government.
In separate interviews, people who spoke to The Herald implored the Government to probe Sally Mugabe Central Hospital.
“The hospital pharmacy does not have the medication I have been prescribed,” said Ms Anna Runyararo, who had come to visit her relative.
“I am worried because I have never found the necessary medication at this pharmacy. The Government needs to investigate this issue, as we often hear that NatPharm has received a consignment of medication. Where are the drugs going if we can’t find them here?” she said.
Another concerned citizen who was at the hospital, Mr David Madzivanzira, said patients were required to bring water besides medication.
“It should not surprise you, but we are often asked to bring water from home because the hospital claims it does not have enough. If your relative is admitted here, bring your own water so they that they can take a bath,” he said.
Mr Madzivanzira said both nurses and drug agents were simply exploiting the situation for personal gain.
“When you can’t get the prescribed medication, you typically consult a nurse, who then refers you to their preferred pharmacies,” he said. “This creates a vicious cycle where patients are taken advantage of due to the lack of available medication.”
One elderly man was spotted being asked to wait at the canteen while an agent brought his medication.
The agent swiftly returned with a packet of pills, exchanging them for cash in a covert transaction.
It is alleged that nurses are complicit in the scam, soliciting medication from relatives of deceased patients under false pretences and selling them to the agents.
Another victim, Ms Sharon Mutetwa from Mhondoro came forward with allegations of questionable practices after her mother’s tragic passing at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital.
“My mother was in a coma and could not move, speak, or swallow, but we were still prescribed numerous medications,” Ms Mutetwa said. “We spent over US$300, only to find the drugs unused every time we visited.”
Ms Mutetwa suspects that the whole prescription was a calculated ploy to rob them of their money.
“When my mother passed away, the nurses asked us to leave the unused medication, saying it would be used to help other patients. But I think it’s just a trick to steal from people.”
A doctor who spoke on condition of anonymity implored the Government to immediately intervene before the situation gets out of hand.
“There is usually no water at the hospital. But there are 19 boreholes around the hospital,” he said.
“Mothers usually use containers to get water . It’s administration. Some of the problems are quite fixable.”
She also said that it was ironic there would be no water in the theatre yet the lawn outside would be well-watered.
Contacted for comment, Sally Mugabe Hospital Chief Medical Officer Mr Hopewell Mungani neither denied nor confirmed the allegations.
“I cannot deny these allegations because this is a big institution,” Mr Mungani said.
“However, as a journalist, I encourage you to be patient and partner with our security team. You are welcome to bring ZACC (Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission) and the police; we’ll collaborate to address this issue. I assure you that anyone found selling drugs will face consequences,” he said.
Mr Mungani said there was a need for a big water reservoir to address current challenges.
“Our hospital receives water from council only three days a week. The problem lies in our dependence on the city council. We are actively working on building a large reservoir, and we look forward to sharing our progress with you soon.”
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