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Granny sues hospital for illegal detention over medical bill
2 hrs ago |
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A 75-year-old woman has filed a lawsuit against Exclusive Medcare Hospital after allegedly being detained for nearly two weeks over an outstanding medical bill, in what her lawyers describe as a "bizarre and unlawful" attempt to force payment.
Marita Manyore, a resident of Murambinda in Buhera District, Manicaland, was admitted to Exclusive Medcare Hospital on 10 February 2026 under the care of a specialist physician. After her condition stabilized, the physician recommended her discharge, noting that she no longer required specialist care.
However, hospital authorities reportedly refused to release Manyore until her family settled a growing medical bill, which originally amounted to US$1,070. The family offered to pay US$200 upfront and proposed a two-month installment plan of US$500 each, but the hospital allegedly declined the offer.
According to court papers, the hospital subsequently increased the bill to US$1,440 and later to US$2,200, insisting that full payment was required before discharge. The family paid US$500 as a sign of commitment, but the facility allegedly continued to detain Manyore.
Lawyers from Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights, Peggy Tavagadza and Tatenda Sigauke, intervened, describing the detention as both illegal and unethical. They argued that the hospital could pursue outstanding payments through a structured payment plan or debt collection, without infringing on Manyore's constitutional rights.
"The continued detention of an elderly and vulnerable woman who no longer requires treatment is a blatant violation of her fundamental rights," the lawyers said in court papers filed at Mutare High Court on 28 February 2026.
Manyore's family is seeking an urgent court order declaring her detention illegal and compelling the hospital to release her immediately. While she expressed gratitude for the medical care received, she emphasized that contractual obligations cannot justify ongoing confinement.
The matter is yet to be set down for hearing.
Marita Manyore, a resident of Murambinda in Buhera District, Manicaland, was admitted to Exclusive Medcare Hospital on 10 February 2026 under the care of a specialist physician. After her condition stabilized, the physician recommended her discharge, noting that she no longer required specialist care.
However, hospital authorities reportedly refused to release Manyore until her family settled a growing medical bill, which originally amounted to US$1,070. The family offered to pay US$200 upfront and proposed a two-month installment plan of US$500 each, but the hospital allegedly declined the offer.
According to court papers, the hospital subsequently increased the bill to US$1,440 and later to US$2,200, insisting that full payment was required before discharge. The family paid US$500 as a sign of commitment, but the facility allegedly continued to detain Manyore.
"The continued detention of an elderly and vulnerable woman who no longer requires treatment is a blatant violation of her fundamental rights," the lawyers said in court papers filed at Mutare High Court on 28 February 2026.
Manyore's family is seeking an urgent court order declaring her detention illegal and compelling the hospital to release her immediately. While she expressed gratitude for the medical care received, she emphasized that contractual obligations cannot justify ongoing confinement.
The matter is yet to be set down for hearing.
Source - online
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