A SINISTER syndicate has entrenched itself in the shadows of Zimbabwe’s struggling public healthcare system as nurses, doctors and outsiders have allegedly joined forces, orchestrating a web of corruption that leaves patients to face a dire “deathbed” scenario.
Medication meant for the vulnerable is sold on the black market, crucial equipment lies idle, and those seeking care are forced to navigate a labyrinth of bribery and extortion.
The integrity of Zimbabwe’s public healthcare system is under severe threat due to widespread corruption, with recent reports revealing how illicit activities are significantly hampering service delivery and endangering patient’s lives.
Experts warn that the pervasive theft, diversion and black-market sale of essential medicines have created a “deathbed” scenario for many vulnerable citizens.
A recent interface workshop organised by Transparency International Zimbabwe (TI-Z) in Mutare shed light on the gravity of the situation.
Participants voiced concerns about systemic corruption within procurement processes and the resulting shortages of vital medicines.
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A report from TI-Z says the public procurement system in Zimbabwe’s health sector is significantly hindering service delivery due to a combination of inefficiency, corruption and systemic failures, according to reports from late 2025.
Despite, on paper, a 98% approval rate for annual procurement plans by the Procurement Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (PRAZ), in practice, public health institutions face weak compliance, leading to critical shortages of medicine and equipment.
One participant at the workshop recounted a distressing incident: “There are numerous thefts of essential medicines in our public hospitals. Nurses and other hospital staff steal drugs, which are then sold outside the system.”
Susan Muhamba, a patient advocate attending the workshop, shared her personal experience.
“Patients are frequently forced to pay bribes to healthcare providers — nurses demanding money to provide timely treatment or even to access beds and medications meant to be free. It’s a tragic reality that undermines trust in our public health services," she said.
Reports indicate that hospital staff hoard medicines — storing them in personal bags or diverting them to external pharmacies — thereby reducing availability for genuine patients in need.
This corrupt practice has led to critical shortages, delays in treatment and increased mortality rates among vulnerable populations.
In response, the Zimbabwean government has taken steps to address these issues.
PRAZ, under chief executive officer Clever Ruswa, is spearheading reforms aimed at increasing transparency through the mandatory adoption of an electronic Government Procurement (eGP) system designed to streamline procurement processes and reduce opportunities for corruption.
“PRAZ has granted exemptions for certain procurements, such as medicines from NatPharm, However, we are actively working on capacity building within procuring entities to ensure compliance and integrity,” Ruswa explained.
Despite these measures, challenges persist.
Exemptions from the eGP system mean that some procurement activities continue outside formal oversight channels, creating loopholes for corrupt practices.
Critics argue that more comprehensive reforms are needed to eliminate all avenues for abuse within the supply chain.
The government’s commitment to tackling this crisis is further evidenced by initiatives from the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission (Zacc) and the Health and Child Care ministry.
Minister Douglas Mombeshora emphasised ongoing efforts.
“We have adopted policies like Good Governance for Medicines to enhance accountability in pharmaceutical management,” he said.
“Additionally, MCAZ [Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe] has intensified inspections and revoked licenses of health professionals found guilty of regulatory violations.”
Zacc has stepped up monitoring at hospitals and clinics specifically targeting illegal drug diversion and sales on the black market.
These concerted efforts aim to stem corruption’s tide before it claims more lives.
Herbert Zindoga, a health expert, warns that legislative reforms alone are insufficient without robust enforcement and cultural change within health institutions.
“Establishing clear accountability mechanisms and ensuring strict supervision across all levels of procurement and distribution are vital. There is need for thorough investigations continue and reforms undertaken,” he said.
“We are advocating for increased transparency and accountability to restore public trust, and most importantly save lives threatened by systemic malpractice.”
The crisis in Zimbabwe’s public healthcare system underscores a broader global challenge — how corruption undermines essential services and jeopardises human rights.