Joseph Isangura
The Minister for Regional Administration and Local Government, Mr. Mohamed Mchengerwa, has strongly condemned the malpractice of bribery among Regional and District Medical Officers.
The Minister’s remarks came in response to growing concerns about the impact of corruption on healthcare services, particularly affecting maternal health.
Mr. Mchengerwa highlighted a troubling trend where patients, especially expectant mothers, are facing severe consequences due to the requirement of bribes for essential medical care. He emphasized that this corrupt practice not only undermines the integrity of the healthcare system but also leads to unnecessary deaths.
“The continued presence of corruption in our health sector is unacceptable,” Mr. Mchengerwa declared. “We have received numerous reports of patients being denied care or facing severe delays due to the demand for bribes. This has led to tragic outcomes, including preventable deaths.”
The Minister has ordered an immediate review of all Regional and District Medical Officers, instructing that those found guilty of enabling or participating in such corrupt activities be removed from their positions without delay. This directive aims to restore trust in the healthcare system and ensure that all patients receive the care they are entitled to without additional financial burdens.
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“This is a call to action for all those involved in managing our healthcare services,” Mr. Mchengerwa added. “We must uphold the highest standards of integrity and ensure that our healthcare professionals are committed to serving the public without the influence of corruption.”
The Ministry of Regional Administration and Local Government will be implementing stricter oversight and reporting mechanisms to prevent future occurrences of bribery and ensure that any such practices are swiftly addressed.
This development comes at a crucial time as the government seeks to improve healthcare delivery and address systemic issues that have long plagued the sector. The move has been welcomed by various stakeholders who see it as a significant step towards reforming the healthcare system and safeguarding the lives of the most vulnerable.
