The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) has called on the government to take immediate action to address the deteriorating conditions at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital. The organization expressed deep concern over the poor working conditions, infrastructure decay, and critical shortages that continue to impact healthcare delivery at the facility.
In a strongly worded statement, ZADHR highlighted the alarming reports of prolonged power and water outages at one of Zimbabwe’s major referral hospitals. The association emphasized that these conditions pose severe risks to patient safety and undermine the ability of healthcare workers to provide quality care.
“The conditions under which healthcare workers are expected to operate not only compromise their well-being but also severely diminish the quality of care provided to patients, some of whom are critically ill,” ZADHR stated.
While acknowledging the Health and Child Care ministry’s recognition of the issues and the proposed remedial measures, ZADHR raised concerns over the lack of urgency and specificity in the government’s response. The organization noted that while plans to repair water tanks and elevators are necessary, they do not adequately address the immediate crisis.
“There is no clear timeline for resolving the power and water supply shortages, and no commitment to ensuring adequate medical supplies and improved working conditions for healthcare professionals,” the association added.
ZADHR outlined key demands for urgent government intervention, including the immediate restoration of electricity and water supply at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital to prevent further disruption of critical healthcare services. They also called for transparency and accountability in the ministry’s response, with clear timelines for addressing infrastructure failures and shortages, and an urgent investment in healthcare workers through fair remuneration and safe working conditions.
The doctors warned that failure to address these concerns would only deepen Zimbabwe’s public health crisis, endangering lives and further eroding confidence in the country’s healthcare system.
“ZADHR stands in solidarity with all healthcare professionals advocating for better working conditions and remains committed to defending the right to quality healthcare for all Zimbabweans,” the statement concluded.
The urgent call for action follows shocking revelations that 300 newborns and 54 women lost their lives due to pregnancy-related complications in recent months. The rights doctors attributed these preventable deaths to systemic failures within Zimbabwe’s health delivery system, including inadequate infrastructure, chronic underfunding, and severe shortages of essential medical supplies.
“This crisis is a direct result of inadequate healthcare infrastructure, chronic underfunding, shortage of essential medical supplies, and a severe lack of access to quality maternal care,” ZADHR said. “No woman should have to risk her life to give birth, and no child should be lost due to a failing system.”
The organization reiterated its call for swift government intervention, emphasizing that the healthcare system’s collapse must be urgently addressed to prevent further loss of life and to uphold the right to healthcare for all citizens.
