Public hospitals under fire for medication gaps

Legislator Samantha Mureyani has urged the government to refund patients who are forced to buy medication from private pharmacies due to shortages in public health institutions. Speaking in the National Assembly, Mureyani questioned the fairness of charging consultation fees when hospitals fail to provide prescribed drugs.


Deputy Minister of Health Sleiman Kwidini responded by clarifying that the consultation fee covers the issuance of a hospital card and initial examination. He noted that patients may be required to pay a minimal fee at hospital pharmacies for medication, but emphasized that “no service is free.”

Kwidini added that the card fee will soon be standardized at USD5 or its equivalent in ZiG, and reiterated that patients must pay for each service received, including prescriptions.

The exchange highlights growing frustration over healthcare affordability and access, especially for low-income patients relying on public facilities.