Zimbabwe Mandates Private Hospitals Treat All Emergencies

New Law Forces 48-Hour Care for Indigent Patients

Private hospitals in Zimbabwe will soon be legally obligated to admit patients with life-threatening conditions for at least two days, regardless of their ability to pay. This mandate is part of sweeping reforms proposed in the Medical Services Amendment Bill.

Upholding Constitutional Health Rights

Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi introduced the bill to the National Assembly, emphasizing its role in aligning existing laws with fundamental constitutional principles. “This Bill is a testament to our commitment ensuring that every citizen and permanent resident of our nation has access to essential health services,” Ziyambi stated.

The proposed legislation includes measures to allow the health minister to set maximum fees for private healthcare services. It also introduces criminal penalties for guardians who withhold necessary medical treatment from children and mandates that all health institutions provide care to prisoners at the state’s expense.

“Perhaps one of the most impactful provisions is the new section 12(a), inserted by clause 8, which prohibits the refusal of emergency medical treatment by private health institutions, aligning with section 76, subsection 3 of the constitution. This mandates private institutions to admit patients suffering from life-threatening conditions for a period of not less than 48 hours for stabilisation, even if they cannot afford treatment. This is a lifeline for many and the Bill also allows for agreements between the minister and private institutions for cost recovery.”

—Ziyambi Ziyambi, Justice Minister

The amendments also aim to strengthen government oversight on private hospital charges. Previously, a proviso allowed private hospitals to continue charging fees above a prescribed limit if they were already in place before a specified date. This proviso will be repealed, bringing all fees under ministerial scrutiny unless specifically approved otherwise.

Doctors Warn of Service Collapse

However, medical professionals have voiced strong concerns, warning that the proposed law could destabilize the healthcare system. Doctors fear that forcing private facilities to absorb all emergency cases, particularly those unable to pay, could lead to rapid depletion of essential resources like medicines and food, potentially causing widespread closures.

They advocate for the government to first improve the public health sector’s capacity and standards to match those of private providers. This would alleviate the strain on private institutions and ensure a more equitable distribution of healthcare burdens.

Government Aims for Accessible Healthcare

Minister Ziyambi, however, defended the bill, characterising it as “a progressive and essential piece of legislation” that aims to ensure healthcare is accessible to all, not a privilege. The bill seeks to prevent exorbitant charges and ensure that medical care is not denied based on financial standing in critical situations.