Seven nurses from the maternity ward at Masvingo Provincial Hospital appeared before a disciplinary hearing last week, accused of allegedly demanding US$50 bribes from expectant mothers in exchange for proper care.
Reports suggest that the practice of soliciting bribes has become increasingly common in some government hospitals.
According to the Masvingo Mirror, the hearings were chaired by Provincial Nursing Officer Cresencia Maphosa.
The disciplinary panel also included Masvingo Hospital Superintendent Noel Zulu, matron Jestina Mufaro Nyakudzi, physician Dr Porika Nyahwai, the hospital’s human resources officer Mphosa, and other senior managers.
While Superintendent Zulu confirmed that investigations were underway, he declined to provide further details on the case. Said Zulu:
“I heard about the issue just now, so investigations are being carried out.”
Several senior sources speaking to Masvingo Mirror have said the bribery scandal at Masvingo Provincial Hospital is not entirely surprising, pointing to the low salaries of civil servants.
They added that many government employees, including police officers, clerks, magistrates, and judges, often find ways to make extra money from their positions, sometimes taking cues from corruption at the highest levels in the ZANU PF-led government.
According to information obtained by Masvingo Mirror, the nurses allegedly demanded US$50 from expectant mothers to provide proper care during childbirth.
In some cases, nurses reportedly claimed hospital X-ray machines were not working and demanded extra money to “assist” patients.
The disciplinary hearings began on Wednesday with the first batch of nurses and continued on Friday with two others.
The nurses are reported to have pleaded guilty and apologised, admitting that the practice is widespread in the maternity ward and has been going on for several years.
Investigations revealed that some of the accused nurses have connections to high-ranking ZANU PF officials.
One nurse is married to a legislator representing Chiredzi, another is said to be the sister-in-law of the Deputy Provincial Medical Director, one is related to a nursing school tutor, and another is reportedly dating a detail who works for the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs.
The racket also involved referring patients to private companies for X-rays, with nurses reportedly receiving US$10 in commission from each referral.
The matter came to light after a police officer based at Masvingo Central reported that a nurse had demanded and received US$50 from his wife.
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