A South African medical doctor, Phophi Ramathuba has said she will send President Emmerson Mnangagwa a bill of all Zimbabweans receiving treatment in her country.
Ramathuba, a Member of the Executive (MEC) of health for Limpopo Province, was recently recorded on camera telling a bedridden Zimbabwean patient that she won’t be discharged until she settles an outstanding bill and that she ought to receive medication in Zimbabwe.
She said foreigners were overburdening South Africa making it difficult to provide services to local people. Watch the video below for more:
Her remarks have received varying responses with fellow medical practitioners castigating her for violating the ethics of the medical profession.
President Cyril Ramaphosa did not rebuke her while commenting on her remarks but rather agreed with her that foreign nationals were making it difficult for South Africa to deliver public goods and services.
His critics say he has failed as a leader and is only hiding behind migration to get votes in the upcoming elections.
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Embassy in South Africa has taken offence over Ramathuba’s remarks saying there are platforms where her grievances could have been tabled.
It is reported that thousands of Zimbabweans are flocking into the neighbouring country for medication as local hospitals do not have even basics such as “painkillers and bandages.”
Zimbabwe’s health sector has been collapsing since the turn of the millennium amid reports that political elites, who often seek medication abroad, are looting resources meant for the sector.
A former Health Minister, Dr Obadiah Moyo, was fired in 2020 after allegations of abusing about US$60 million meant to tackle COVID-19. Courts acquitted him cementing the view that the government was protecting corrupt people.