MDC-T’s Lovemore Moyo fails to settle hospital bills

MDC-T national chairperson and former Speaker of Parliament, Mr Lovemore Moyo, has failed to settle a $1 500 United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) bill and $1 900 for an ambulance that took him to the health facility after a recent accident.
The revelation comes at a time when party leader and former Prime Minister Mr Morgan Tsvangirai recently sneaked out of Harare’s Trauma Centre and Hospital without settling a $2 600 bill.

Mr Moyo, who was involved in an accident along Harare-Chivhu road a week ago together with four passengers, was initially admitted to Chivhu Hospital and later transferred to UBH.

Mr Vumani Mahlangu, who was Mr Moyo’s driver, died lastTuesday reportedly due to injuries he sustained in the crash.
Close sources said Mr Moyo was transferred from Chivhu Hospital to UBH because he had fallen on hard times financially and did not have medical aid which could have taken him to privately owned hospitals like the city’s affluent Mater Dei Hospital.

Sunday News is reliably informed that transferring Mr Moyo from Chivhu Hospital to UBH cost $2 400 in ambulance fees.
“Party members were asked to contribute what they have to assist the chairperson. People failed to raise the money ($2 400) because everyone is campaigning for a post at the congress and the little they have is directed towards the campaign,” said the source.

“Many people were approached and even some friendly embassies but nothing came out. There is a party member from the South African branch who is popularly known as Chief Ndlovu who donated $500 which helped so much. Party members who lost their parliamentary seats are finding it difficult to survive because some do not have formal jobs or businesses where they can get money.”

Mr Moyo’s elder brother, Adam, confirmed that he owed $1 900 for an ambulance and an amount he refused to disclose to UBH.
“It is true that the party supported us. But I cannot comment on whether he is now broke. Many people came and pledged their support and we could not resist as they wanted to help their friend who was in need.

“The money (to pay UBH) is there and we will pay whenever it is needed. In life people should not just show off, that’s why we didn’t pay immediately,” he said.

A UBH official who works in the finance department confirmed that Mr Moyo, who was discharged last Friday, owed the hospital and had pledged to pay as soon as he got the money.

“Mr Moyo has not yet paid the money. His wife came and collected the invoice and promised to pay the money as soon as possible. As a hospital, we hope that he is going to pay,” said an official who preferred to remain anonymous.

A relative close to the development said that Mr Moyo was now broke.
“He is broke. He is no longer the Lovemore Moyo we knew. Ever since he lost an election his life has changed and he is even struggling to pay for his academic fees at Nust where he is doing a masters degree. He was discharged by the doctor because he had to attend the party’s conference but he is still not well. He needs to rest,” the relative said.

Mr Moyo was not available for comment as his mobile phone was not reachable.