Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
PRESSURE is mounting on the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr David Parirenyatwa, to step down as more organisations in the health sector call for his resignation.
The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) on Wednesday said the Minister violated the public’s trust when he received $100,000 payment from the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) for work that is yet to be done when hundreds of doctors are owed millions of dollars for services already rendered.
ZADHR said PSMAS should state what criteria was used to pay Dr Parirenyatwa in advance. The doctors said it was shocking that Dr Parirenyatwa, who should champion improvements in the health sector, was behind such a questionable transaction.
“Any public official implicated in corruption and shady dealings must resign in order to restore the public’s trust in the health delivery system. We’re dismayed at the culture of impunity that has pervaded public office bearers as evidenced by the Mnister’s conduct,” said ZADHR.
“The recent exposure of mismanagement and misappropriation of funds at PSMAS, mainly by senior government officials including the Minister of Health and Child Care, obliges us to ask questions on the applicable criteria for capitation.
“We contend that if PSMAS has a facility for capitation, it’s paramount that the facility be universal and not selective.”
The doctors said corruption in the health sector violates the right to healthcare.
The ZADHR called for fresh investigations into PSMAS operations and for salaries of its senior employees to be made public.
On Monday, the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association said the minister should resign, a position earlier expressed by the Zimbabwe Medical Association. The Zimbabwe Nurses’ Association has also expressed regret at the latest revelation.
Following the payment of the funds to Dr Parirenyatwa, there has also been debate on whether or not Ministers should do paid work.
According to section 106 (2) of the country’s Constitution, “Vice-Presidents, Ministers and Deputy Ministers may not, during their tenure of office:
“(a) Directly or indirectly, hold any other public office or undertake any other paid work.
(b) Act in any way that is inconsistent with their office, or expose themselves to any situation involving the risk of a conflict between their official responsibilities and private; or
(c) Use their position or any information entrusted on them to enrich themselves or improperly benefit and other person.”