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Hopewell Chin’ono, an award-winning journalist, has once again raised concerns about the dire state of maternity care in Zimbabwe. The country’s largest hospital, Parirenyatwa, reportedly has only one functioning maternity theatre, which was built in 1977 during the colonial era. Chin’ono has been vocal for the past five years about the high maternal mortality rate in Zimbabwe, with approximately 2,500 pregnant women dying each year during childbirth, but little action has been taken to address the issue. He said:
<blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s biggest hospital has only ONE maternity theatre which was built in 1977 by the Ian Smith colonial government. The colonial government built two maternity theater, but only one is working. At one point there was no longer anything working until @StanbicBankZW intervened and refurbished the one that is now working. It costs only US$37,000 to build a functional maternity theatre in Zimbabwe, put differently, one Landcruiser will build 10 maternity theatres. The Zimbabwean government has thousands of these cars, but no maternity theatres for giving birth to kids. Many times both mother and child die. Giving birth in Zimbabwe for ordinary citizens is now so dangerous such that 75% of women who give birth at South Africa’s Musina Hospital are Zimbabwean according to the South African Government.
</blockquote>
Last year, an incident at Bela Bela Hospital in South Africa highlighted the tension surrounding healthcare for foreign nationals. The Limpopo Health MEC confronted a Zimbabwean patient,<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/south-africa-doctor-tells-zimbabweans-to-get-medical-treatment-in-zimbabwe/"> stating that South Africa lacked the budget to accommodate foreigners</a> and suggesting she seek treatment in Zimbabwe instead. She said in a video circulating on social media:
<blockquote>
How do you find yourself in Bela-Bela when you are supposed to be with Mnangagwa (Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa) there? You know he doesn’t give me money to operate you guys and I’m operating you with my limited budget.
</blockquote>

<ul>
<li><a href="https://pindula.co.zw/2022/09/23/zimbabwean-woman-dies-after-being-neglected-at-a-south-african-hospital/">Zimbabwean Woman Dies “After Being Neglected” At A South African Hospital</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2023/02/20/south-africa-hospital-refuses-to-discharge-10-month-old-zimbabwean-boy-2023022013854866649/">South Africa: Hospital Refuses To Discharge 10-Month-Old Zimbabwean Boy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/south-africa-doctor-tells-zimbabweans-to-get-medical-treatment-in-zimbabwe/">South Africa: Doctor Tells Zimbabweans To Get Medical Treatment In Zimbabwe</a></li>
</ul>
The implications of inadequate maternity care extend beyond individual women and affect the entire community. Chin’ono said investing in maternal healthcare would result in healthier mothers and babies, alleviate the strain on foreign healthcare systems, and improve the overall well-being of the nation. He said the scarcity of functioning maternity theatres and the high maternal mortality rates expose the government’s failure to prioritise the well-being of its citizens.
More Pindula News

Pindula News

Zimbabwe’s Biggest Hospital Has 1 Maternity Theatre Built By The Smith Govt In 1977 - Chin'ono

Limpopo health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba criticised African political leaders for seeking healthcare abroad instead of fixing their own healthcare systems. She expressed her displeasure at this trend during the Africa Health Indaba event in Midrand, Gauteng, <a href="https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-10-18-stop-going-overseas-fix-your-own-countrys-health-systems-phophi-ramathuba-tells-political-leaders/?t=nCDMnRPgV-0CCk4ECKdCrw&amp;s=08">TimesLive</a> reported. The conference gathers healthcare professionals and politicians from Africa to discuss the future of healthcare on the continent. She said:
<blockquote>
When I am sick I can be flown to a five-star medical centre and we don’t care. We die in Turkey and Singapore hospitals.
When you get to those hospitals it is five-star service. But who is paying for that? The very same poor and vulnerable we have left behind. No African leader must consult in another country. They must fix their own system. Die in your own country and hospitals.
</blockquote>
Dr. Phophi Ramathuba expressed her concerns about the overwhelmed healthcare system in her province, which shares borders with Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Mozambique. She highlighted the lack of collaboration in the SADC region, which hampers finding solutions and interventions.
Dr. Ramathuba emphasized the need for healthcare systems that are tailored to African lifestyles, as the current system does not address the changes caused by urbanisation. She mentioned the importance of developing healthcare systems that respond to the specific problems faced by African communities.

<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/south-africa-doctor-tells-zimbabweans-to-get-medical-treatment-in-zimbabwe/">South Africa: Doctor Tells Zimbabweans To Get Medical Treatment In Zimbabwe</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/eff-calls-for-removal-of-health-mec-phophi-ramathuba-over-remarks-on-a-zimbabwean-patient/">EFF Calls For Removal Of Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba Over Remarks On A Zimbabwean Patient</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2022/09/02/phophi-ramathuba-says-she-is-hurt-by-zims-collapsed-healthcare-system/">Phophi Ramathuba Says She Is Hurt By Zim’s Collapsed Healthcare System</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/2022/010/15/chiwenga-should-learn-from-phophi-ramathuba/">“Chiwenga Should Learn From Phophi Ramathuba”</a></li>
</ul>
Dr. Bandile Hadebe, the Africa Health Indaba secretariat, emphasised the importance of keeping the healthcare system up-to-date with technological advancements in order to provide better care. He highlighted the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, where African countries had to rely on other countries for essential supplies like gloves, masks, and vaccines. Dr. Hadebe stressed the need to reduce dependency on other continents for healthcare supplies and medication. He called for a shift towards a digital-first approach in healthcare and emphasised the necessity of aggressive digital strategies, especially in relation to policies like the National Health Insurance.
Corruption has been identified as one of the major factors contributing to the collapse of healthcare systems in many African countries. Misuse of funds, bribery, and embezzlement by individuals in positions of power have resulted in limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a lack of essential medical supplies. This corruption prevents the healthcare sector from functioning effectively and delivering quality care to the people who need it the most. 
<h3><a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">More Pindula News</a></h3>

"Die In Your Own Country And Hospitals'" Dr Phophi Ramathuba Tells African Leaders

The Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) has reprimanded Limpopo health MEC Phophi Ramathuba for unprofessional conduct and unbecoming behaviour after she shouted at a Zimbabwean patient in a Limpopo provincial hospital in August 2022.
<a href="https://www.sowetanlive.co.za/news/south-africa/2023-02-11-health-council-slams-mec-ramathuba-for-berating-zimbabwean-patient/">SowetanLive</a> reported that though Ramathuba was at the hospital in her capacity as a health MEC (government official), and not a practising doctor, she is a medical doctor by profession.
The opposition EFF’s Mbuyiseni Ndlozi laid a complaint with the HPCSA against Ramathuba, accusing her of violating the dignity and human rights of the patient.
Ndlozi was acting in his capacity as the EFF’s Limpopo provincial convener. In his complaint to HPCSA, Ndlozi said:
<blockquote>
This follows a disturbing video clip that is circulating on social media where she is seen belittling and abusing a Zimbabwean patient in Bela-Bela Hospital.
It is evident in the video that MEC Ramathuba has violated her core ethical values and standards for good practice as outlined by the Health Professionals Council of South Africa.
</blockquote>
The standards say: “healthcare practitioners should respect patients as people, and acknowledge their intrinsic worth, dignity, and sense of value”.
Ndlozi pleaded with HPCSA to investigate Ramathuba’s conduct and take appropriate action against her.
The HPCSA’s first medical and dental committee resolved in January 2023 that there was evidence of unprofessional conduct on Ramathuba in terms of the regulations under the Health Professions Act.
In a report dated 9 February, HPCSA said it will impose a penalty, caution and reprimand Ramathuba “for unprofessional behaviour and unbecoming [conduct] of a medical professional to be shouting at a patient’s bedside as the patient was vulnerable at the time”.
In a video that was widely shared on social media, Ramathuba could be heard telling the patient that migrants were to blame for her department’s stretched budget.
Her words sparked a debate in both South Africa and Zimbabwe, with some in support while others felt she was unfair to the patient.
Ramathuba, however, defended her controversial statement arguing that foreign nationals are abusing South Africa’s health system. She said:
<blockquote>
I did stand by its content because I need to share that understanding that they are not doing anything to our surgical backlog, people are abusing the system.
When they hear that the MEC is coming to this district with special care, they leave their country, enter SA illegally, and come to our hospitals but doctors who operate them for ethical reasons even though the Constitution will cover the doctors, but they don’t refuse to operate them.
The South African whom we did this budget for is unable to get operated because they’re still flooding even our initiatives. This is an initiative outside our daily work.
</blockquote>

SA: Phophi Ramathuba Reprimanded For Shouting At Zimbabwean Patient

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 <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/south-africa-doctor-tells-zimbabweans-to-get-medical-treatment-in-zimbabwe/">she won’t be discharged until she settles an outstanding bill and that she ought to receive medication in Zimbabwe. </a>
She said foreigners were overburdening South Africa making it difficult to provide services to local people. Watch the video below for more:
<div class="wp-video" style="width: 240px;">
<video class="wp-video-shortcode" controls="controls" height="426" id="video-240818-1" preload="metadata" width="240"><source src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Phophi-ramathuba-speaks.mp4?_=1" type="video/mp4"/><a href="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Phophi-ramathuba-speaks.mp4">https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/Phophi-ramathuba-speaks.mp4</a></video></div>
Her remarks have received varying responses with fellow medical practitioners castigating her for violating the ethics of the medical profession.
President Cyril Ramaphosa <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/30/ramaphosa-agrees-with-mec-phophi-ramathuba-migration-affects-service-provision/">did not rebuke her</a> while commenting on her remarks but rather <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/30/ramaphosa-agrees-with-mec-phophi-ramathuba-migration-affects-service-provision/">agreed with her</a> 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, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/30/zimbabwe-embassy-in-sa-shocked-by-dr-phophi-ramathubas-remarks-on-zimbabwean-patient/">Zimbabwe Embassy in South Africa has taken offence</a> 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 <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/26/biti-says-parirenyatwa-hospital-doesnt-have-bandages-syringes-and-even-painkillers/">basics such as “painkillers and bandages.”</a>
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, <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2020/07/07/breaking-ed-fires-obadiah-moyo/">was fired in 2020 after allegations of abusing about US$60 million meant to tackle COVID-19</a>. Courts<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2021/10/07/high-court-dismisses-corruption-charges-against-ex-health-minister-obadiah-moyo/"> acquitted him</a> cementing the view that the government was protecting corrupt people. 
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

South Africa: Dr Phophi Ramathuba Says She Will Bill President Mnangagwa For Zimbabweans Treated There

The president of South Africa, Cyril Ramaposa has backed underfire medical doctor, Phophi Ramathuba after she remarked that foreigners were overburdening the country’s health sector.
Ramathuba who is a Member of the Executive (MEC) of health for Limpopo Province told a bedridden Zimbabwean patient that she won’t be discharged due to outstanding medical bills adding that <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/south-africa-doctor-tells-zimbabweans-to-get-medical-treatment-in-zimbabwe/">Zimbabweans ought to get medication in Zimbabwe.</a>
The remarks attracted varying responses from people of all walks of life with fellow medical practitioners saying Ramathuba had violated the profession’s ethics.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa agrees with Ramathuba that Zimbabweans flocking to South Africa for Health care were worsening the country’s health crisis. He said:
<blockquote>
The MEC of health in Limpopo has raised an important issue how service provision is affected by migration, that is an important issue that is on the top of minds of many South Africans and indeed it is part and parcel of having to deal with the whole issue of a framework around migration and not only on our continent but elsewhere as people move around the world.
One of the issues they are asked is are you able to make provision for any service that might have to be offered to you in any shape or form so that is part of that whole process of having to deal with migration so the MEC has raised an important issue which is currently under debate.
Of course she raised it in the presence of a patient and I guess such an important issue could have been raised another way but that as it may, it has been raised and it has evoked debate not only in our country but also in Zimbabwe and also the rest of the continent.
It is a matter that is going to enjoy quite a lot of attendance even as we meet at head of states level to discuss what precisely the movement of people should really entail, what should accompany that in the form of services, health issues criminality and the rule of law, so all those matters are matters that are germane to the whole process of migration.
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, Zimbabwe Embassy to South Africa <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/30/zimbabwe-embassy-in-sa-shocked-by-dr-phophi-ramathubas-remarks-on-zimbabwean-patient/">had earlier castigated Ramathuba</a> saying they had conveyed the concerns of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration to the Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
Reports suggest that thousands of Zimbabweans are flocking to South Africa for medication as the local health sector collapsed over two decades ago.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Ramaphosa Agrees With MEC Phophi Ramathuba "Migration Affects Service Provision"

The Embassy of Zimbabwe in South Africa has said it was “shocked” by the remarks of Dr Phophi Ramathuba, a South African Member of the Executive of Health in Limpopo after she had told <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/south-africa-doctor-tells-zimbabweans-to-get-medical-treatment-in-zimbabwe/">Zimbabweans to get medical treatment in their home country.</a>
Ramathuba said foreigners were overburdening the South African health system.
In a statement seen by Pindula News, the Zimbabwean embassy said there are platforms for engagement that Ramathuba should have used “for the good of our two countries.” Reads the statement:
<blockquote>
The Embassy of the Republic of Zimbabwe in Pretoria watched with shock and disbelief the video (images) in which the Member of the Executive Council (MEC) of Health Limpopo Province, spoke to a Zimbabwean national who happened to be a patient in a hospital in the province. The Embassy has been in contact with the government of South Africa. through the Department of International Relations and Cooperation. to who it has conveyed the concerns of the government of Zimbabwe on the comments made by the MEC. 
</blockquote>
Ramathuba’s remarks were widely condemned by fellow medical practitioners while some observers said she had spoken the truth.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Zimbabwe Embassy In SA "Shocked" By Dr Phophi Ramathuba's Remarks On Zimbabwean Patient

The controversial South African doctor, Phophi Ramathuba, who is Limpopo Health MEC, has slammed her critics, saying those calling for her resignation come from the middle class and do not use public hospitals.
Ramathuba has been criticised by some politicians and fellow health professionals following a viral video where she confronted a Zimbabwean woman for seeking medical treatment in South Africa.
The unnamed patient reportedly underwent surgery at Bela Bela Hospital after being injured in a car accident in Zimbabwe.
Ramathuba told the woman that Zimbabwean nationals are abusing the system and she should seek medical attention from Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa’s government instead.
She said was speaking for 91 per cent of Limpopo residents who use public health care and would only resign if they tell her to.
More: <a href="https://ewn.co.za/2022/08/28/calls-for-my-resignation-are-from-people-who-don-t-use-public-health-ramathuba">EWN</a>

SA Doctor Says People Calling For Her Resignation Don't Use Public Health

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Nelson_Chamisa">Nelson Chamisa</a> who leads the opposition Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) has pleaded with fellow Africans in South Africa to support Zimbabweans “in these trying times.” 
Chamisa, a former Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services during the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Government_of_National_Unity">Government of National Unity (GNU)</a> speaks as some South African officials are expressing frustration over the presence of Zimbabweans in that country. 
Most recently, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, the Member of the Executive (MEC) of Health for Limpopo Province, was captured on camera <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/south-africa-doctor-tells-zimbabweans-to-get-medical-treatment-in-zimbabwe/">refusing to discharge a Zimbabwean patient</a> over an outstanding bill. She also told her that Zimbabwe should get medical treatment in Zimbabwe, a statement which has sparked controversy. 
In a Twitter message seen by Pindula News, Chamisa promised that the Zimbabwean crisis was coming to an end in about a year’s time. He said:
<blockquote>
Fellow Africans in South Africa, we note your frustrations and economic constraints. I kindly ask for your support to Zimbabweans in these trying times. Help us as we do our best to fix Zimbabwe for a prosperous future. In less than 400 days our fights will be a thing of the past.
We need free and fair elections to permanently resolve our politics and the economy. Many are not in your country out of mischief but on account of poor leadership, bad governance and deadening poverty. Zimbabweans mean no harm to you. After all, we are decent and great neighbours.
</blockquote>
Responding to Chamisa’s post, a South African politician, Mmusi Maimane who formerly led the Democratic Alliance (DA) said the ruling ZANU PF was the source of the socio-economic and political crises in Zimbabwe. He said: 
<blockquote>
The cause of the crisis in Zimbabwe is known, it is the repressive regime led by @edmnangagwa. The role of the SADC region will be to ensure a free and fair election season, election day and count. South Africa and other SADC countries cannot afford to subsidize Zanu anymore.
</blockquote>
There are estimated to be between 800 000 and 3 million Zimbabweans in South Africa. Zimbabweans migrated to the neighbouring country following the collapse of the economy two decades ago. The decline was mainly attributed to corruption by political elites. 
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Chamisa Asks Fellow Africans To "Support Zimbabweans In These Trying Times" - Chamisa

<a href="https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/investigations/fact-check-no-mec-ramathuba-poor-management-is-killing-limpopo-hospitals-not-immigrants-20220826-2">News24</a> says official statistics and audit reports show that poor management and lack of internal controls – and not foreign nationals – are to blame for the limited resources in South Africa’s health institutions.
The publication says annual reports, analyses by the Office of the Auditor-General and statistics show that mounting medico-legal claims, lack of consequence management, irregular expenditure and shocking vacancy rates is what is “killing” hospitals and healthcare in Limpopo.
This comes as Dr Phophi Ramathuba, Member of the Executive (MEC) of Health in Limpopo <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/south-africa-doctor-tells-zimbabweans-to-get-medical-treatment-in-zimbabwe/">accused foreign nationals seeking medical treatment in the province of crippling South Africa’s health sector.</a>
News24 says Ramathuba’s comments toward a bedridden Zimbabwean patient were incorrect and misguided. Ramathuba told the patient:
<blockquote>
You are killing my health systems.
You are even illegal [and] you are abusing me. It’s unfair.
So, sisi, you won’t be discharged until you settle your bill.
</blockquote>
According to Ramathuba, 91 per cent of the 5.7 million people in Limpopo depend on the state for medical services which, according to her, was instead being eaten by foreign nationals. 
<h2>The reports &amp; analyses by the Office of the Auditor-General show that:</h2>
<blockquote>
1). Since Ramathuba took up her position in 2015, medico-legal claims against the department have increased to billions, posing a serious threat to the province. According to the 2020/21 annual report, R9 billion in cerebral palsy claims made up part of the R12 billion claims against the department.
2). Staff vacancies for critical posts, like specialists and nursing, have also increased, yet more than half of the department’s budget is spent on compensating employees.
3). While irregular expenditure is on a downward trend, a lack of consequence management appears rife, opening the door for continued deflection of resources.
4). The money is there – billions allocated to the department every year – yet consistent underspending per programme and a deviation of money from critical resources means there is little impact in clinics and hospitals. 
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

"Audit Reports Show That Poor Management, Not Foreign Nationals, Is Killing SA Health Institutions"

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) has castigated Limpopo’s MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba for telling a <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/south-africa-doctor-tells-zimbabweans-to-get-medical-treatment-in-zimbabwe/">bedridden Zimbabwean patient that she was part of the burden saddling South Africa’s health care system.</a>
In a statement, SAMA CEO Dr Vusumuzi Nhlapho said it was not in Dr Ramathuba’s capacity to address such issues and there were other sectors of government that are mandated to address the issue of foreign nationals. <a href="https://healthtimes.co.zw/2022/08/25/south-africas-medical-association-throws-ramathuba-under-the-bus/">Health Times</a> cites Dr Nhlapho as saying:
<blockquote>
Despite there being a need for a national dialogue to address the matters highlighted, SAMA deplores the manner of addressing this issue by the MEC Ramathuba to a patient at a Bela Bela hospital. The MEC as a leader in the province is aware of the appropriate channels where such matters ought to be raised. Additionally, the MEC has a duty and responsibility to comply with the ethical conduct befitting a healthcare professional who took an oath which clearly states “first do no harm.
The Health Professions Council of South Africa’s (HPCSA) ethical guidelines and the SAMA Pledge solemnise all doctors to a duty of care, respecting the dignity of the patient and fostering the noble traditions of the medical profession without prejudice which in this instance appear to have been contravened.
When people are marginalised or face stigma or discrimination, their physical and mental health suffers. Discrimination of any kind in the healthcare sector is unacceptable and is a major barrier to global socio-economic development. It is contrary to the central principle of the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development which is to ensure that no one is left behind.
In addition, the World Health Organisation (WHO) calls on all countries to respect and protect human rights in health – in their laws, their health policies and programmes. WHO maintains that all countries must work together to combat inequalities and discriminatory practices so that everyone can enjoy the benefits of good health, no matter their age, sex, race, religion, health status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or migration status.
</blockquote>
The South Africa Department of Health said while Dr Ramathuba might have been out of line and a full enquiry into the issue is currently underway.
Mr Foster Mohale Departmental  Spokesperson, National Health Department said it was imperative to note that not all health services were free and only primary healthcare services are provided free of charge and higher levels of care are subject to a fee.
<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

South Africa's Health Association Castigates Dr Phophi Ramathuba

Zimbabwean journalist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Hopewell_Chin%27ono">Hopewell Chin’ono</a> has said Zimbabweans are crossing the border to seek medical treatment in South Africa because the ruling ZANU PF is looting national resources meant for rehabilitating and capacitating local health institutions.
His remarks come after a video of Dr Phophi Ramathula a South African Member of the Executive of Health for Limpopo Province in which <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/south-africa-doctor-tells-zimbabweans-to-get-medical-treatment-in-zimbabwe/">she tells a Zimbabwean patient that she ought to get medication in Zimbabwe</a> has gone viral.
Speaking to the SABC News on Ramathuba’s video, the journalist said:
<blockquote>
What we saw in that video is a direct consequence of the misgovernance in Zimbabwe. I have said time and again. I was even sent to prison in 2020 for exposing corruption which involved the looting of public funds meant for public health. 
The problem that we’re facing today has been happening for years. We’ve been saying that the South African side was not as robust as it should have been with ZANU PF. 
2 500 women die every year in Zimbabwe giving birth. That’s why you have over 70% of women giving birth in Musina hospital in Limpopo in South Africa being Zimbabwean. This has been caused by misgovernance by ZANU PF. This has been caused by the looting of public funds. This has been caused by incompetence generally in the Zimbabwean government. 
Now when you look at the exact video that you referred to it was about a Zimbabwean patient who was in South Africa for what is called elective operations and these are operations that should have been happening in Zimbabwe. So instead of blasting the MEC, as many have chose to do, I choose to look at the root cause of this problem and say would this video have happened if our system in Zimbabwe was working well? I have heard the argument of ethics that has been raised by so many people including the EFF, and that again is a South African argument. For me as a Zimbabwean, my number one breach of ethics is the one done by the Zimbabwean government.
</blockquote>
He said President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a> took an oath of office pledging to protect the interests of every Zimbabwean citizen, including health, “he has failed to do that not because the government or our country is broke and poor, but because his government and the party he leads has embarked on rampant corruption…”
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

Chin'ono Says ZANU PF's Corruption Is Forcing Zimbabweans To Seek Medication In South Africa

A South African medical doctor, Phophi Ramathuba who is a Member of the Executive (MEC) of Health in Limpopo has said she is not xenophobic contrary to allegations by some on social media.
The allegations were made after a video in which she told a Zimbabwean patient to get medical treatment in Zimbabwe. In an interview with eNCA, Ramathuba later reiterated that Zimbabwean nationals who were going to South Africa illegally were worsening an already dire South African health crisis.
She also told <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6oOxfY7wEKI">SABC News</a> that her province was abiding by the South African constitution which obliges health institutions to give medical care to everyone despite their place of origin, including foreign nationals. Watch the video below for more:
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6oOxfY7wEKI?feature=oembed" title="'Limpopo's health system is being abused by undocumented foreign nationals': Dr Phophi Ramathuba" width="640"></iframe></div>

She said the rural province was under-resourced and “illegal foreign nationals” were abusing the facility. 
She said she stands by what she said <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/south-africa-doctor-tells-zimbabweans-to-get-medical-treatment-in-zimbabwe/">in a video</a> being shared on social media.
The Doctor said South Africa has been engaging Zimbabwe at a national level to discuss the issue but South Africa is not being reimbursed for resources it would have used on foreign nationals.
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

WATCH: Dr Phophi Ramathuba Says She Is Not Xenophobic

Dr Phophi Ramathuba, a member of the executive council (MEC) of Health in the Limpopo Province, South Africa, has torched a social media storm after she was captured on camera telling a Zimbabwean patient to get medical treatment in Zimbabwe. Pindula News posted the <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/south-africa-doctor-tells-zimbabweans-to-get-medical-treatment-in-zimbabwe/">video earlier: Video</a>. 
The medical doctor confronted a Zimbabwean patient at a Bela-Bela hospital telling her that South Africa does not have the budget to accommodate foreign nationals. She said the patient would not be discharged if she does not pay the bills. She told the patient:
<blockquote>
How do you find yourself in Bela-Bela when you are supposed to be with Mnangagwa (Zimbabwean president Emmerson Mnangagwa) there? You know he doesn’t give me money to operate you guys and I’m operating you with my limited budget… 
When you guys are sick, I’m hearing these days you just say, ‘let’s cross Limpopo river, there is an MEC there who is running a charity department. It’s not…
</blockquote>
Her remarks have sparked debate on social media and yonder with people across different walks of life giving their opinions. Some said she correctly identified the real problem while some are accusing her of violating the ethics of the health profession which require health caregivers to offer services to everyone despite their “age, disease or disability, creed, ethnic origin gender, nationality, political affiliation, race, sexual orientation, social standing or any other factor…”
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) led by Julius Malema have since called for <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2022/08/24/eff-calls-for-removal-of-health-mec-phophi-ramathuba-over-remarks-on-a-zimbabwean-patient/">her dismissal saying she was unprofessional. </a>
<h2>Pindula News presents some of the comments that were made in response to her remarks:</h2>
Mmusi Maimane @Mmusi (Former Democratic Alliance (DA) leader) said:
<blockquote>
Every doctor takes this pledge.
</blockquote>
<img alt="Image" class="aligncenter" decoding="async" height="1080" loading="lazy" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Fa6lzBYXEAAOsoK?format=jpg&amp;name=large" width="752"/>
 
Redi Tlhabi @RediTlhabi:
<blockquote>
Respectfully Dr, the issue is not statistics &amp; the pressure under which health system finds itself..it is whether or not it is appropriate for a doctor to make her case to a patient..What is the patient supposed to do? AND she is an MEC, with access to the president &amp; minister.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Blessed_Mhlanga">Dhara Blessed Mhlanga @bbmhlanga</a> (Alpha Media journalist):
<blockquote>
I don’t care whatever is wrong with my country but this here MEC is wrong, unethical and dangerous your leadership is toxic. She can’t be allowed to run health institutions.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Thandekile_Moyo">Thandekile Moyo @Mamoxn</a> (a writer for Daily Maverick and human rights defender from Zimbabwe):
<blockquote>
I find it problematic, &amp; Entitled, That we expect to get free treatment in SA, But can’t demand it here in Zimbabwe, We have strong voices calling for the SA MEC to resign, But are doing nothing to hold accountable, Those looting Zim resources. SA owes us nothing. #ZanuPFMustGo
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Hopewell_Chin%27ono">Hopewell Chin’ono</a> @daddyhope (freelance journalist and filmmaker, CNN African journalist of the year award winner):
<blockquote>
In any normal country this video would be the leading item on all news stations &amp; newspapers, and it would cause emergency debate in parliament tomorrow morning, but not in Zimbabwe. This South African minister is right, Zimbabwe has become an embarrassment due to ZANUPF LOOTING.
</blockquote>
<h2>Mbuyiseni Ndlozi @MbuyiseniNdlozi (SA MP and member of EFF):</h2>
<blockquote>
That MEC is humiliating a Zimbabwean. Next, it will be unemployed South Africans told they can’t be operated because they don’t contribute anything to taxes that budgets are based on! But why humiliate a patient like that! Where are medical ethics? Confidentiality &amp; Dignity?
No one, not even migrant workers or so-called African “illegal immigrants” deserves humiliation in our hospitals. The MEC of Limpopo has violated basic ethics of patient treatment, confidentiality and dignity. She must be removed as MEC, her licence revoked as a medical doctor!
</blockquote>
Official Rakgadi Soldier @Rakgadi_EM:
<blockquote>
On a serious Note if that patient was white or Indian was MEC going to utter the same rubbish?
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Chipo_Dendere">Chipo Dendere @drDendere</a>, a Zimbabwean visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science and Consortium for Faculty Diversity Scholar at Amherst University in the United States of America, said:
<blockquote>
For full context the Zimbabwean patient was given care. However, MEC was saying don’t discharge without payment. Debate with full details for or against but the facts are that Zimbabweans need a home solution ASAP. In Zim people can’t even get care without paying a lot upfront.
</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mduduzi_Mathuthu">Mduduzi Mathuthu @Mathuthu</a> (Zimbabwean journalist and founder of ZimLive.com):
<blockquote>
Make the MEC president of SA, she appears to correctly identify the root of the problem.
</blockquote>
LynneM @LynneStactia:
<blockquote>
In recent times VP Chiwenga was admitted to a South African hospital where was that crazy Skilled Rebhara (Dr Phophi) to go tell him to go get treatment in ZW? She did so to that woman coz she is poor? Why not tell those who have put that woman in those difficult circumstances? HYPOCRITES! ANC leaders are part of the problem we have in Zimbabwe musandipikise!
</blockquote>
<h2><a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a></h2>

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