Extortion and Shortages: Zimbabwe’s New Mothers Struggle for Health Cards
New mothers in Zimbabwe are facing extortion while trying to obtain ‘free’ Child Health Cards, which track their infants’ health. A shadow market has emerged, with clinic staff selling the cards under the table due to an artificial shortage. Recent policy changes, including the return of maternity fees and ongoing corruption, have worsened the situation, placing additional financial burdens on vulnerable mothers.
In Zimbabwe, new mothers like Connie Jowa face considerable challenges as they attempt to secure Child Health Cards for their infants. These crucial documents, which track a child’s growth and health history, have been increasingly difficult to obtain since they disappeared from health facilities in Harare. While they are meant to be free, a shadow market has emerged where clinic staff sell these cards under the table for a fee of around US$5, exacerbating the struggles of mothers already facing a broke healthcare system.
The shortage of Child Health Cards is not just a matter of supply; it has become a widespread practice involving clandestine operations among clinic staff. Evidence suggests that while the cards are supposed to be free, many nurses and aides exploit their positions, pocketing substantial sums from desperate mothers. According to Simbarashe James Tafirenyika of the Zimbabwe Municipality’s Nurses and Allied Workers Union, individuals selling 100 cards can earn around US$500.
The challenges extend beyond the unavailability of the cards, as mothers often resort to keeping their infants’ medical histories on scraps of paper due to the lack of official documentation. This situation is further aggravated by reports of clinic staff urging mothers to be ‘skillful,’ a euphemism for paying bribes. Officials from the Ministry of Health acknowledge irregular supplies and potential exploitation by clinic workers, leading to a need for oversight in the distribution process.
The root of these issues correlates to a significant policy shift, with the quiet reintroduction of maternity fees in public hospitals. Over the past decade, Zimbabwe’s healthcare system has progressively deteriorated due to economic pressures and corruption, which contribute to the rising bribery trends among health workers. A study by Transparency International Zimbabwe revealed that more than 70% of respondents experienced demands for bribes while accessing health services.
Under economic strain, women such as Prudence Hanyani argue that maternity services should be free, as childbirth contributes to the nation’s demographic growth. Despite apparent shortages, suppliers like Print Flow maintain that they only provide cards to authorized facilities and are unaware of any leaks into the black market. Nonetheless, Donald Mujiri from the Ministry of Health cites inefficiencies and insufficient donor funding as reasons for the card shortages, highlighting a systemic need for improved resource management.
As a result, mothers continue to navigate these arduous circumstances, often forced to pay for services that should be free and facing the emotional distress of inadequate access to their children’s health documentation.
In conclusion, Zimbabwean mothers encounter significant barriers in obtaining Child Health Cards, crucial for tracking their children’s health. The emergence of a black market alongside the reintroduction of maternity fees reflects deeper systemic issues within the healthcare system, marked by corruption and inadequate resources. Continued advocacy and reform are essential to ensure that mothers receive the support they need and that childbirth remains a service for the nation.
Original Source: globalpressjournal.com
