Mudzuri questions govt policy on patients who owe health institutions

The MDC-T MP Elias Mudzuri has asked the deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Aldrin Musiiwa on what is the policy of government on patients who fail to settle their bills which has seen some of them being detained in some institutions.

Speaking in parliament Mudzuri said what was government policy that when patients have been admitted in hospitals, they find themselves in a position where they are weak, cannot pay the money which is required and are detained, especially women.

"This has happened in some of the general hospitals. I want to say one day I called you about a case and it repeated itself again. I have heard that when people are discharged from hospital, when they have no money, they are not allowed to go and look for the money, instead they are detained in verandahs. Is it Government policy? If it is not Government policy can we have a communiqué which goes to all hospitals and to the public to say this is not acceptable?" he asked.

Musiiwa said it is not government policy to detain patients who have not paid.

"Government policy is for patients to access treatment. In cases where they are assessed and we feel they must pay, a payment arrangement must then be made where the patients are discharged and be able to go and find money to pay when they are able to pay. In the instances where this has been reported to me, I have taken action particularly in the case that the Hon. Member has referred to, I actually made it a point to follow up with the administration and made sure that such action is not taken," he said.

But Mudzuri said same patient has been in hospital detained after the minister's instruction, which means it is like turning a blind eye or involved in corruption and there is no action taken when such things happen.

"Then it means that becomes policy by mere negligence. Can the Minister confirm that he is taking action to communicate to the public to say this is not acceptable and if it happens, they must have a route where to complain?" he said.

The deputy minister said he understand what Mudzuri was saying.

"I want to assure this House that we will take action, and particularly for those administrative hospitals that do not follow instructions. We have actually given instructions that it is not Government's policy and it is not acceptable for them to detain patients," he said.