Health Ministry rebukes Machakaire over public hospital criticism

A public spat has erupted between two government ministries after the Ministry of Health and Child Care sharply rebuked Youth Empowerment Minister Tinoda Machakaire for urging President Emmerson Mnangagwa to urgently address the worsening state of public hospitals.

Machakaire had taken to social media earlier this week to express frustration following his relative's experience at a government hospital, describing the conditions as dire and appealing to the President to make unannounced visits to witness the crisis firsthand.

However, in a strongly worded statement issued Tuesday, the Health Ministry dismissed Machakaire's remarks as "unwarranted and mischievous," accusing him of deliberately ignoring the "critical services being provided under difficult circumstances."

"These comments seem to be part of a broader pattern of orchestrated attacks aimed at selectively highlighting challenges within the public healthcare system," the Ministry said. "They ignore the significant progress made in recent years despite limited resources."

While Zimbabwe's healthcare system is widely reported to be struggling - with run-down infrastructure, drug shortages, and underpaid health workers - the Ministry did not acknowledge any crisis. Instead, it defended its performance and pointed to what it termed "notable improvements" under Mnangagwa's administration.

"The Ministry is open to constructive dialogue," the statement read, "but we reject narratives that undermine the tireless efforts of our healthcare professionals."

Machakaire's remarks struck a nerve, particularly as they came shortly after a South African citizen had to be airlifted from Bulawayo due to a lack of adequate treatment, further highlighting the healthcare system's deficiencies.

Patients in Zimbabwe's public hospitals are often required to bring their own medical supplies and pay for essentials like blood, medication, and scans - an issue the Health Ministry's statement failed to address directly.

Despite the backlash, Machakaire's call has resonated with many citizens who say his remarks reflect everyday realities.

Political analysts say the public disagreement reveals deepening cracks within the ruling establishment, with some younger officials becoming more vocal about systemic failures under Mnangagwa's leadership.

As the health crisis continues to expose shortcomings in governance, calls for transparency and genuine reform in the sector are expected to grow louder - both from within government ranks and beyond.