adminNqobile Tshili Chronicle Correspondent
MPILO Central Hospital in Bulawayo is reportedly refusing to release bodies of patients who die before their relatives clear bills.
Bulawayo residents told The Chronicle that one of the country’s largest referral hospitals refuses to discharge patients before they settle their bills.
Tawanda Mushohwe, 39, said the hospital refused to give them a letter confirming their relative’s death so that they could proceed with burial arrangements.
He said Lisa Nyakabanga, 20, died yesterday and authorities at the institution detained the body, demanding $83.
“My wife lost her cousin this morning but the hospital refused to give us a doctor’s letter confirming her death. We were told to clear the $83 we owed first but we didn’t have the money,” said Mushohwe.
Without the letter, a burial order and arrangements with funeral parlours cannot be done.
Mushowe said the hospital accounts department said nothing was going to be done if the money was not paid up.
“There’s a lady in the accounts departments who doesn’t negotiate. What she wants is money,” he said.
“We tried to talk to her to make arrangements to pay the money at a later date but she flatly refused. She told us to pay or the hospital would not assist us,” he said.
The visibly angry Mushohwe said the hospital was very inconsiderate by demanding money at a time when people were mourning.
“What’s shocking is that they don’t want to listen. We lost our relative and what they just think of is money. Detaining her body makes the funeral even more expensive as we’ve to host mourners,” said Mushohwe.
He said the hospital has become more of an extortion centre than a healthcare institution.
The family finally paid $40 after hours and the hospital processed the papers.
A man who asked not to be named because his wife is still at the hospital said: “They also detain patients who’re supposed to be discharged. Should people die because they’re afraid of being detained if they seek medication from the hospital,” he said.
The man said the hospital was turning a blind eye to the harsh economic climate prevailing in the country.
“Illnesses come without warning and you can’t always budget for them.
“Who doesn’t owe anyone anything in this country? Even the government is in debt. The economy is bad but we still deserve health care services,” said the man.
Another resident who preferred anonymity said he lost his brother a week ago and had to go through the same experience.
“We struggled to bury my brother because our bill exceeded $150. They were demanding that we pay at least half of the money,” he said.
Mpilo’s acting chief executive officer, Leonard Mabandi denied that the hospital was detaining patients and dead bodies.
He said those who have been affected must approach his office.
“I don’t know anything of that nature. Tell those who are saying they’ve been affected to come and see me,” said Mabandi.
Mpilo is the largest referral hospital in the southern region covering Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South, Midlands and Masvingo.
Online Reporter