Senior Government Officials Fingered in Parirenyatwa Abuse Case.
……….as the “Evil Matron” continue to wreaks havoc at Zimbabwe’s biggest hospital.
The shocking allegations of harassment and mistreatment of nurses and patients at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare have sent shockwaves throughout the medical community and beyond for months now. The disturbing accounts of senior nursing administrator Matron Tendai Matsvimbo’s abusive behavior have sparked outrage and calls for action. It is on record that, women’s organizations are rightly planning to storm the hospital in protest against the “Evil Matron,” demanding justice and a safe working environment for all nurses and a safe space for pregnant and birthing mothers. “Because of harassment faced by those who are speaking out against this evil the movement is building underground, soon we will be at their door step demanding sanity and safety of our people, “One leader of the looming protests confirmed.
The situation is also sombre in the nurses various social media platforms with Zimbabwe Nurses Forum, a social media platform for Zimbabwean nurses having nurses exchange harsh words over the issue. There are messages which this publication is in possession of which show that threats have been thrown at those speaking out about the abuse of nursing staff by the administration at Parirenyatwa Hospital. Ms Jane Mudyara the Human Resources Director, a close ally to the Permanent Secretary, is reported to be turning a blind eye to this chaos.
There are even further allegations that Matsvimbo who is being accused of the unchecked abuse is under the protection of senior government officials who include Dr. Aspect Maunganidze the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Health and Childcare. The senior official is alleged to be her boyfriend and this is the reason for the continued unchecked misconduct to both nursing staff and patients at the hospital especially in the Neonatal Nursing Unit where there will be new mothers.
The sheer number of nurses who have come forward with stories of mistreatment is staggering. The details of Matsvimbo’s behavior are appalling, and it’s unacceptable that such a toxic work environment has been allowed to persist. The fact that many nurses are leaving the hospital or even the profession altogether is a devastating indictment of the system’s failure to protect its own.
The protest planned by women’s organizations is a crucial step in standing in solidarity with the affected nurses and patients in demanding change. It’s essential that the hospital administration and relevant authorities take immediate action to address these allegations, ensure accountability, and create a safe and supportive work environment for all nurses.
Abigale Mupambi,a vibrant human rights defender in the country had this to say,
“Yes we read about this and rightfully so it’s disturbing.The matter must be followed up to the core and resolved because there is no smoke without fire. It is important to ofcourse get the facts right in such sensitive matters. The general moral and motivation of our hardworking nurses form the backbone of our healthcare system, and it’s unconscionable that they should be treated in such a manner. We hope and wish that the responsible authorities will find it fit to explore this matter and find a lasting solution to these disturbing issues .”
