By A Correspondent- The Ministry of Health and Child Care has approved an increase in hospital fees, which has seen the fees shoot up beyond the reach of the majority.

The new hospital fees are effective from the 1st of January 2020.

In a letter addressed to all Chief Executive officers and Provincial Medical Directors, Permanent Secretary for Health and Child Care, Dr Agnes Mahomva wrote:

“The Ministry has approved new hospital fees, with effect from the 1st of January 2020. Please note the decision has been reached after taking into account the plight of the general populace, as well as the inflationary environment that we are currently in.

May you please ensure immediate implementation of the new fees as per attached schedule.”

However, the increase has been met with general criticism due to the high charges which are beyond the reach of most government workers. Most concerns have been raised about the Caesarian Section which now costs a massive $2500. Considering that most civil servants are earning around $1000 per month, this figure is rather intimidating.

The opposition MDC’s Department of Education, Sports and Culture commented on the matter on social media site Twitter  saying:

“The Govt has increased hospital fees. Based on these new fees, a teacher does not earn enough money in a month to have a C-section at Parirenyatwa or Harare Hospital which now costs $2500.

Teacher remuneration is in urgent need of review given the rising cost of living.

Dr Peter Magombeyi, the acting President of the Zimbabwe Doctors Hospital Association (ZHDA) also raised concerns about the new charges saying,

“So look here cadres! I am earning an amount which is equivalent to 1 Caesarean Section (c/s) operation per month. That is for my wife only, when I personally do more than 300 c/s per month in maternity theatre. This is not fair. I will stay at home than being disgruntled in the hospital.

Below are the new Hospital Fees: