A PRIVATE hospital in Mutare is facing a lawsuit after allegedly detaining a 75-year-old patient over an unpaid medical bill, in a case that has sparked renewed debate over patients’ rights and hospital billing practices.
Witness Mavambire has filed an urgent chamber application at the High Court seeking referral to the Constitutional Court, arguing that Executive Medicare Hospital violated his mother’s fundamental rights by refusing to discharge her until the full bill was settled.
Mavambire, represented by lawyers from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights — Tatenda Sigauke and Peggy Tavagadza — said his mother, Marita Manyore, initially sought treatment at a local clinic in Buhera but was referred to Mutare for specialist care after her condition deteriorated.
According to court papers, a physician identified as Chisiyiwa recommended hospitalisation at a facility where he could monitor her condition for two days. Mavambire said he compared costs telephonically before opting for Executive Medicare Hospital which was comparatively cheaper than other recommended institutions.
Manyore was admitted after the hospital outlined its daily charges. The family purchased the prescribed medical supplies and on February 11, she was placed on supplementary oxygen, resulting in additional costs.
By February 14, when her condition had improved and she no longer required oxygen, the bill had reportedly risen to US$1 070. Mavambire said he informed the attending physician that the amount was beyond the family’s means. The doctor allegedly indicated that Manyore could be discharged and managed by general practitioners since she was stable.
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However, hospital staff reportedly refused to release her without full payment.
Mavambire said he offered to pay US$200 upfront and settle the balance in two instalments of US$500 each, but the proposal was rejected. He later returned home to Buhera to raise funds, only to face another setback when his father fell ill.
On February 19, he returned to Mutare with US$500 but was told the bill had increased to US$1 440. After seeking legal advice on February 25, he was advised to deposit the US$500 into the hospital’s bank account while his lawyers issued a letter of demand for Manyore’s release.
Despite this, a hospital staff member identified as Makuwaza allegedly refused to discharge her. Mavambire said he was subsequently informed that the bill had escalated to US$2 200.
In his application, Mavambire argues that the hospital is unlawfully detaining his elderly and vulnerable mother while continuing to charge fees, effectively making it impossible for the family to secure her release. He contends that her constitutional rights have been and continue to be violated.
The matter is pending before the courts.