Family blames Mpilo Hospital after newborn dies during childbirth

A Bulawayo family has raised serious concerns over conditions at Mpilo Central Hospital after a newborn allegedly died during childbirth while the mother was in labour during a power outage.


The husband, whose identity has not been disclosed, said he took his wife to Mpilo on 9 September after she went into labour, but claimed the hospital had no electricity at the time. According to his account posted on social media, his wife was expected to undergo an emergency Caesarean section but could not be taken to another theatre because one was already occupied.

He alleged that she subsequently delivered naturally and the baby died during birth.

The man further claimed that after the delivery, his wife was stitched and transferred to another ward but was not prescribed pain‑management medication, leaving her in severe pain until discharge.

“What pains me the most is that I had to use my flashlight as my wife was giving birth,” he said.

He questioned Mpilo’s preparedness to deal with power outages, particularly in critical departments such as maternity. “Where are the solar systems, backup generators and basic medication for patients?” he asked.

He also alleged that a member of staff questioned why his wife had been taken to a public hospital instead of a private facility.

The claims come amid ongoing concerns over electricity supply, cable theft and infrastructure challenges affecting public health institutions. The man acknowledged reports of cable theft at Mpilo but questioned why alternative power sources had not been installed.

The allegations could not be independently verified from the social‑media post. Mpilo Hospital could not be reached for comment.

The incident adds to wider national discussions around public‑hospital infrastructure and maternity‑care standards.