Vice President(Rtd Gen) Constantino Chiwenga
The newly appointed Minister of Health, VP Chiwenga has warned hospitals which are demanding Covid-19 clearance certificates from patients seeking medical services.
He also warned hospitals against taking advantage of the Covid-19 situation and charging exorbitant fees.
Patients without Covid-19 clearance certificates are reportedly being turned away at both private and public hospitals.
Covid-19 tests are also very expensive for many with private PCR tests costing from US$20 and US$65, while at public institutions it’s free for people identified during contact tracing.
VP Chiwenga was recently assigned as the new Minister of Health in order to stabilize the ministry of health which is currently getting a bad rep.
Speaking during a tour of Bulawayo Kraal Irrigation Scheme in Binga , VP Chiwenga said health institutions should prioritise the protection of human lives.
“Government is aware of some hospitals which are turning away patients seeking medical help by demanding Covid-19 test certificates. Some hospitals are also taking advantage of the pandemic to charge exorbitant fees and we are saying that should stop,” he said.
Chiwenga said the government would soon be demanding answers on why hospitals are turning people away and some charging exorbitant fees for tests.
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