Parliament’s Health Portfolio Committee has been asked to whip into line public health institutions defying government policy to provide free medication to people suffering from chronic illnesses across the country.
Kadoma director of Health Services, Daniel Chirundu, made the plea at a public hearing held by the committee on health user fees in the town yesterday.
He said while it was government policy that all patients suffering from chronic illnesses should have access to free treatment, some public health institutions continued to demand payment from patients.
Chirundu was responding to concerns raised by members of the public who told the committee that patients living with HIV and Aids and those suffering from various chronic illnesses were being made to pay for treatment.
“Hospitals are demanding $25 for CD4 count, $5 as consultation fees and other charges that drain the coffers of those seeking medication.
“After paying the money, patients are still asked to go to pharmacies to buy medication. Most people suffering from HIV and Aids end up dying because they just can’t afford medication,” said Anita Chizororo.
Others called for the scraping of maternity fees and called on government to pay expecting mothers.
“Giving birth is a national duty and, instead of paying (hospital) fees, expecting mothers should get paid by government the same way soldiers are paid in the line of duty,” said Conelious Matamisa.
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Former Health minister and committee chairperson David Parirenyatwa said the general consensus in Zimbabwe was that user fees had to be scrapped.
“In the region user fees are being scrapped and we wanted to hear what Zimbabweans have to say. There is a clear message across the country that the fees should go. We are going to push so that it becomes policy,” said Parirenyatwa.
