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Negligent Harare doctor in botched abortion scandal
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A 27-hour medical ordeal has cast a harsh spotlight on accountability in Zimbabwe's private healthcare system after a Harare woman almost lost her life following complications from a pregnancy termination procedure.
The patient, whose name is withheld for legal reasons, was diagnosed with a blighted ovum-a pregnancy sac that develops without an embryo. On September 4, she consulted Dr Christopher Chirume, a gynaecologist at Executive Women Obstetrics and Gynaecology Health Clinic, who confirmed the pregnancy was not viable.
"He said he would use pills to induce bleeding and later evacuate the womb. He charged me US$250, and I paid US$150 upfront," the patient told Check Point.
After seeking a second opinion, which confirmed the diagnosis, she returned to Dr Chirume's clinic on September 10 to begin the procedure. Pills were administered at 11 am, and she was told to return later that day.
But within hours, she began bleeding heavily.
"I called him at 4 pm as agreed, telling him I was bleeding heavily. He told me to come the next day," she recalled. "By the next morning, I had been bleeding for over 24 hours. Each time I called, he kept postponing-first to 10am, then 1pm, then 2pm. I was weak and in pain."
When she arrived at the clinic, she claims staff ignored her, saying the doctor was unavailable. "One receptionist even said their doctor is well protected and has relatives in the Ministry of Health," she alleged.
Desperate, she sought help at another private facility, where doctors confirmed her blood levels had dropped dangerously. A medical report seen by Check Point stated she suffered from retained products of conception (RPOCs) due to inadequate medical attention, requiring urgent emergency care.
On September 18, she lodged a formal complaint with the Health Service Commission (HSC). The Commission, however, referred the matter to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe (MDPCZ), noting that since the incident occurred in private practice, only the Council had jurisdiction to investigate.
In response, Dr Chirume denied wrongdoing, telling Check Point: "I was in Bindura, and I was not around when she came back. She insulted our staff, and we have since reported the case to the police."
But the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association (MDPPZA) criticised the handling of the case. Its president, Professor Johannes Marisa, said: "If this patient lost so much blood due to delayed care, that's not just negligence-it's a grave dereliction of duty. If busy, doctors should always ensure someone is available to attend to patients."
Health rights advocates say the incident highlights weak oversight in private medical care.
"Patients are vulnerable, especially in reproductive health. This case demonstrates the urgent need for stronger accountability," said Muchadei Dzeka, a Harare-based medical lawyer.
For the survivor, the experience has left lasting scars.
"I almost died because I trusted someone who didn't care," she said.
Her ordeal has ignited fresh debate over patient safety in private healthcare, exposing how profit motives and weak regulation can put lives at risk.
The patient, whose name is withheld for legal reasons, was diagnosed with a blighted ovum-a pregnancy sac that develops without an embryo. On September 4, she consulted Dr Christopher Chirume, a gynaecologist at Executive Women Obstetrics and Gynaecology Health Clinic, who confirmed the pregnancy was not viable.
"He said he would use pills to induce bleeding and later evacuate the womb. He charged me US$250, and I paid US$150 upfront," the patient told Check Point.
After seeking a second opinion, which confirmed the diagnosis, she returned to Dr Chirume's clinic on September 10 to begin the procedure. Pills were administered at 11 am, and she was told to return later that day.
But within hours, she began bleeding heavily.
"I called him at 4 pm as agreed, telling him I was bleeding heavily. He told me to come the next day," she recalled. "By the next morning, I had been bleeding for over 24 hours. Each time I called, he kept postponing-first to 10am, then 1pm, then 2pm. I was weak and in pain."
When she arrived at the clinic, she claims staff ignored her, saying the doctor was unavailable. "One receptionist even said their doctor is well protected and has relatives in the Ministry of Health," she alleged.
Desperate, she sought help at another private facility, where doctors confirmed her blood levels had dropped dangerously. A medical report seen by Check Point stated she suffered from retained products of conception (RPOCs) due to inadequate medical attention, requiring urgent emergency care.
In response, Dr Chirume denied wrongdoing, telling Check Point: "I was in Bindura, and I was not around when she came back. She insulted our staff, and we have since reported the case to the police."
But the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association (MDPPZA) criticised the handling of the case. Its president, Professor Johannes Marisa, said: "If this patient lost so much blood due to delayed care, that's not just negligence-it's a grave dereliction of duty. If busy, doctors should always ensure someone is available to attend to patients."
Health rights advocates say the incident highlights weak oversight in private medical care.
"Patients are vulnerable, especially in reproductive health. This case demonstrates the urgent need for stronger accountability," said Muchadei Dzeka, a Harare-based medical lawyer.
For the survivor, the experience has left lasting scars.
"I almost died because I trusted someone who didn't care," she said.
Her ordeal has ignited fresh debate over patient safety in private healthcare, exposing how profit motives and weak regulation can put lives at risk.
Source - online
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