By a Correspondent
Zimbabwe has moved to end the controversial practice of private hospitals turning away critically ill patients who cannot immediately afford treatment, gazetting sweeping amendments to the Medical Services Act that make emergency care a legal obligation rather than a matter of discretion.
The new law compels private hospitals and clinics to admit and treat patients suffering life-threatening illnesses or injuries regardless of their ability to pay, requiring facilities to provide emergency medical care for at least 48 hours or until the patient has been stabilised before any transfer can be considered.
The amendments seek to ensure that no Zimbabwean is denied lifesaving treatment because they cannot raise admission fees or pay a deposit at the point of care—a practice that has drawn widespread public criticism over the years.
The legislation also gives the Minister of Health and Child Care powers to direct private health institutions to provide specialist services to patients referred from the public health sector during national emergencies or public health crises. Financial arrangements for such treatment may be negotiated between the private institution, the patient or the State.
The reforms mark one of the most significant changes to Zimbabwe’s healthcare laws in recent years, strengthening legal protections for emergency patients and reinforcing the constitutional principle that access to urgent medical treatment should not depend on a person’s financial circumstances.
Health expert Dr Pat Mapanda described the amendments as a significant milestone in protecting patients’ rights and improving access to emergency healthcare.
“This is a progressive development for Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. For a long time, patients in critical condition have faced delays or challenges in accessing emergency treatment because of financial constraints. This amendment ensures that the preservation of life comes first,” Mapanda said.
He said the law could help reduce preventable deaths by ensuring critically ill patients receive immediate medical attention when every minute is crucial.
“No patient should lose their life simply because they are unable to pay a deposit at the point of admission. Emergency care is time-sensitive, and this law recognises that healthcare providers have a responsibility to stabilise patients before any other considerations,” he said.
Mapanda said the changes also promote greater equity in the health sector by widening access to emergency care for vulnerable Zimbabweans.
“Healthcare will now be more accessible to all Zimbabweans, particularly those who may not have the financial means to access private medical services during emergencies. This is a welcome move that places people and their wellbeing at the centre of healthcare delivery,” he said.
The amendments carry criminal penalties for non-compliance. Heads of private health institutions who unlawfully refuse to admit emergency patients, as well as medical practitioners acting without proper authority, face a Level 8 fine, imprisonment of up to one year, or both.
