In Zimbabwe, a shortage of Child Health Cards for new mothers has led to widespread corruption, with clinic staff selling these essential documents for bribes. The problem has been compounded by the reintroduction of maternity fees, increasing the financial burden on mothers. The Ministry of Health admits to supply chain issues contributing to the card scarcity, necessitating immediate systemic improvements to address these healthcare shortcomings.
In Zimbabwe, new mothers face significant challenges in obtaining Child Health Cards, essential documents for tracking their infants’ health records. Due to a mysterious shortage of these cards, many mothers must navigate a shadow market where clinic staff sell them under the table. First-time mother Connie Jowa represents a growing number of women in Harare struggling to secure this crucial documentation, which should be freely available at public health facilities.
The Child Health Card is vital for ensuring proper monitoring of vaccinations and medical histories. However, since July 2024, these cards have become inexplicably scarce in Harare’s hospitals and clinics. Despite claims from manufacturers that they produce adequate quantities, clinic workers exploit the situation, selling cards to desperate mothers for approximately US$5, revealing significant corruption within the healthcare system.
According to Simbarashe James Tafirenyika from the Zimbabwe Municipality’s Nurses and Allied Workers Union, staff members connive to profit from the card sales. This widespread practice highlights the deteriorating state of healthcare, as mothers are compelled to bribe personnel for basic health services. The system’s failures are further exacerbated by a lack of supplies, as admitted by Prosper Chonzi, director of health for the City of Harare, who acknowledged the erratic availability of cards.
The return of maternity fees in public hospitals has also contributed to the crisis, marking a reversal of the progress made in providing free maternal care since a successful financing scheme began in 2011. High inflation and budget constraints are compelling healthcare workers to solicit bribes, further impeding access to essential services.
Despite the nominal abolition of user fees, the introduction of incidental costs has placed an additional financial burden on mothers who already face numerous challenges. Community activist Prudence Hanyani emphasizes that maternal health services should remain free, stressing women’s essential role in contributing to national demographics. Meanwhile, Valerie Shangwa recounts her difficulties in ensuring proper medical records for her child, highlighting the broader ramifications of these systemic failures.
In response to these ongoing issues, Donald Mujiri, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Child Care, acknowledged that inefficiencies and lack of donor funding contribute to the shortage of Child Health Cards. Moreover, he emphasized the need for systematic improvements in healthcare supply chains to address these challenges effectively.
In conclusion, the plight of new mothers in Zimbabwe regarding the accessibility of Child Health Cards underscores the urgent need for systemic reform within the healthcare system. The existence of a shadow market, compounded by corruption and inadequate funding, undermines public health initiatives. It is essential to address the reintroduction of user fees and ensure essential services remain accessible, particularly for vulnerable populations. Commitment from the government and health authorities to rectify supply chain inefficiencies is vital for restoring public confidence in these critical healthcare services.
Original Source: www.thezimbabwean.co
