Private Hospitals Banned From Denying Emergency Treatment To Patients, Regardless Of Whether They Can Pay

The Medical Services Amendment Act, 2026, was gazetted this week after President Emmerson Mnangagwa signed it into law.

The new law amends the Medical Services Act and requires private hospitals to provide life-saving emergency treatment to critically ill patients, regardless of whether they can pay.

Under the Act, private health institutions have a legal duty to admit and stabilise patients facing life-threatening medical emergencies for at least 48 hours before they can be transferred elsewhere.

The law seeks to improve access to emergency healthcare by stopping private hospitals from turning patients away simply because they cannot afford upfront fees. The practice has long been criticised by health rights groups.

Ndavaningi Mangwana, the Permanent Secretary for Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, said heads of private institutions who refuse emergency admission will face penalties.

“Private health institutions must now admit any patient with a life-threatening emergency for at least 48 hours to stabilise them before transfer, even if the patient cannot afford care,” wrote Mangwana on X.

“The Minister may also request private facilities to provide specialist services for public emergency patients during public crises. Cost-recovery agreements can be made with the State or patients.

“Heads of private institutions (or practitioners acting without authority) who refuse such emergency admission face fines up to level 8 or imprisonment up to one year.

“This provision effectively bars private facilities from turning away critical emergency cases based solely on inability to pay.”

Mangwana explained that emergency medical treatment means care needed to treat or reduce a life-threatening but reversible deterioration in a person’s health. This applies when the condition poses an immediate risk to life or long-term health. It remains emergency treatment until the patient has been stabilised or their condition has improved to a certain extent.

Beyond emergency care, the Medical Services Amendment Act introduces new legal definitions for basic health care, chronic illness, emergency medical treatment, and health care providers.

This gives greater clarity on the scope of healthcare services and responsibilities under Zimbabwean law.

Related:

Health Insurers Warn Against Ban On Owning Clinics, Pharmacies ZINA: Patients At Risk As Ngomahuru Hospital Falls Apart