Terrence Mawawa|There is pandemonium at Masvingo Provincial Hospital as authorities are demanding referral letters from critically ill patients- without offering any medical assistance.

Hundreds of patients, including some who are critically ill are being asked to produce referral letters from local clinics.

Hundreds of patients are being forced to resort to natural herbs due to the refusal by authorities at the biggest referral centre in Masvingo Province to officer medical services to individuals who fail to produce referral letters.

“People are dying as a result of the mishap at Masvingo Provincial Hospital.The situation must be resolved as a matter of urgency,” said a Masvingo based medical practitioner.

However Masvingo Provincial Medical Director Dr Amadeus Shamu told a Masvingo based weekly publication there was need to decongest the crowded provincial hospital.

“We embarked on the move in accordance with provisions enshrined in the Medical Act. We want to decongest the hospital because most of the cases can be dealt with at local clinics,” said Shamu.