Referral Kickbacks Network Take Hold In Public Hospitals

An alleged network of doctors and nurses at major public hospitals is reportedly receiving kickbacks for referring patients to private laboratories, some of which they secretly own.

This practice is forcing patients, who are already struggling financially, to pay more for services that could be accessed more cheaply, or even for free, at government-run diagnostic centres.

An investigation by The Sunday Mail found that the alleged referral network has taken root in several public hospitals, including Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, and United Bulawayo Hospitals, creating a parallel health economy where some public servants profit from patients’ suffering.

Insiders, including junior doctors, lab technicians, and administrative staff, reportedly confirmed a “referral commission system”, where medical workers receive money or other benefits for sending patients to certain private labs for tests such as blood work, X-rays, CT scans, and biopsies.

The publication’s sources described the practice as a “silent industry” that has become part of daily hospital operations.

Some private laboratories implicated are partially owned or directed by clinicians who are employed full-time in public hospitals, an arrangement that violates the Public Service Code of Conduct and the Health Professions Act.

The Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) confirmed receiving reports of doctors referring patients to selected laboratories in exchange for commissions.

Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals Chief Medical Officer Dr Tsitsi Mildred Magure said the hospital does not permit referrals for personal gain, saying some referrals occur only when hospital equipment is down or reagents run out. She said:

“For example, our CT scan unit has been down for months, and some dialysis services have been affected by reagent shortages.

“But, we do not allow any referral made for personal gain. Any such behaviour goes against the values of the institution.”

She said the hospital has a code of conduct, patient feedback channels, audit systems, and disciplinary procedures to address any suspected misconduct.

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