Online Reporter
H-Metro Reporter
HEALTHPOINT Hospital has rejected claims from a Harare businessman that he was denied proper medical care and treated unprofessionally after an admission following an attack by some armed robbers.
Gladman “Dallas” Sekawawana was attacked when armed robbers blocked his car, as he drove home from a funeral in Harare, and robbed him of cash and other valuables.
He was also hit by an iron bar during the robbery on Independence Eve.
His family claimed that he was denied proper medical care and treated unprofessionally when he was admitted at HealthPoint Hospital.
Hospital Chief Operating Officer, Hope Chibanda, has now replied to the family’s concerns.
“The records and reports from the attending medical personnel confirm that he received continuous and appropriate medical attention throughout his stay at our facility, including specialist review, radiological investigations, medication, observation, and other necessary treatment.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the factual position is as follows:
1.Mr Sekawawana was brought to our Casualty department for treatment as he was experiencing severe headaches following a robbery incident.
2.Upon assessment by the attending specialist, it was recommended that he be admitted overnight for observation.
3.At the time of admission, the requisite admission deposit had not been paid. Considering this, the patient’s family was advised of alternative facilities which could accommodate the patient at a lower cost.
4.The family declined such alternatives and elected to continue treatment at our facility.
5.Notwithstanding the above, and as a concession to assist the patient and family, the Hospital accepted a reduced admission deposit of US$500 for the overnight stay after treatmenBy the time payment was eventually made several hours later, the general ward bed which had initially been available had been allocated to another patient requiring admission.
7.In order to accommodate Mr Sekawawana, the Hospital offered a bed in the Intensive Care Unit pending availability elsewhere.
8.This was done solely as an accommodation measure and not because the patient required ICU-level care.
9.Mr Sekawawana declined the ICU placement and personally confirmed this position in writing. Following his election, he was accommodated in the casualty area where he continued to receive medical attention food and monitoring overnight.
10.The deposit paid was applied toward the medical services rendered, including accommodation, medication, consumables, observation, and treatment administered during admission. The Hospital’s statement breaking down all the medical fees incurred was duly shared.
11.Our accounts department has confirmed that, after reconciliation of the services rendered, the remaining balance due to the patient as a refund is US$79.02 for hospitalisation and US$57.82 for the casualty episode. Without admission of liability, the hospital tenders payment of US$136.84 in full and final settlement of any refund claim.
12.As per your emailed instruction the US$136.84 will be paid over to the specialist who attended to the patient. His bill is US$200, and you are required to pay the balance of US$63.16.
“The Hospital remains committed to maintaining professional standards of care and communication.
“However, we must also express concern regarding the circulation of inaccurate and misleading allegations to third parties, including media houses, legal practitioners, and regulatory authorities, suggesting that the patient was denied treatment or improperly managed.
“Such allegations are not supported by the factual record and as stated above, they are rejected.”
This “drama” clearly demonstrates that our health system has become a money spinning business akin to our education system. These two pry on the desperation of the affected. Why should owners of health facilities aim to make diabolical profits at the expense of the sick? Should saving life be looked at as mining gold?