adminMichael Magoronga Correspondent
Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs Cde Owen Ncube has said hospitals and clinics should start offering free health delivery to minors and the elderly seeking medical attention as directed by Government.
There have been reports that some health institutions in the Midlands province continue to charge such patients seeking treatment.
Last week, Government, through the secretary for Health and Child Care, Brigadier General Dr Gerald Gwinji (Retired), announced the scrapping of user fees on pregnant women, children under five years of age and the elderly, as part of measures to improve access to health care.
Speaking during an inter-district meeting in Kwekwe on Thursday, Minister Ncube said municipal clinics were also supposed to adhere to the directive by Government.
“I hear there are some clinics that are still charging medical fees to our senior citizens and pregnant women,” said Cde Ncube.
“Local authorities who defy Government directive in my province with be dealt with accordingly.
“Let us not be caught on the wrong side of the law by ensuring that we follow what the Government directed us to do.”
Cde Ncube urged local authorities to desist from suing ratepayers who would have failed to settle their debts, saying they should find other means to make them pay.
“We told Gweru City Council in a meeting recently to stop harassing ratepayers through the issuing of summons, and this should apply to all,” he said.
“As we all know, we are on the road to recovery. Things do not change overnight, so we must be patient.” Cde Ncube said he was touring companies in the province to get an appreciation of their state, as well as finding out ways to resuscitate them. He said rate payers and industries that owed local authorities would service their debts once the economy rebounds.
“We are in the process of visiting companies as we explore best ways of resuscitating our companies,” said Cde Ncube. “Just yesterday, we were at Sable Chemicals.
“Companies will be fully operational in due course, that is when you can sue people who are employed, but failing to pay for services.”
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