Embattled health and Child welfare minister, Dr Parirenyatwa’s Junior doctors at Bulawayo’s Mpilo Central Hospital are reported to regularly partake in the downing of the wise waters from the    Doctors Quarters (DQ) Bar situated within the vicinity of the  doctors place of  residence on site.

Of particular concern is that this is done during working hours, with the doctors simply abandoning patients  to go and drink, whilst the  paediatric hospital waiters are reported to be helping themselves to  food meant to be eaten by admitted patients at Mpilo central hospital.

Mrs Regina Duduza Moyo, the  suspended Hospital operations director  previously requested in 2014 for the closure of the bar  facility because of junior doctors frequently absconding from duty, to drink alcohol, forcing the bar to be  briefly closed. I

The Zimbabwe Republic Police, (ZRP) also  took interest in the activities at the bar as internal security and police reports clearly identified incidents of the bar ‘illegally’ operating beyond stipulated or licenced  daily operating hours of  11am to 10pm  and being a nuisance to locals as their sleep and peace were disturbed.

It is also reported  by hospital security staff that patients long waiting time in  the hospital’s  casualty department is a result of the absence of junior doctors who will be drinking away at the bar during their official working hours.

Patient welfare is said to be in jeopardy at the hospital which, beside food theft by waiters in the paediatric department is reportedly short of basic utensils such as cups, spoons and plates.

Local outsiders, also frequent the bar, resulting in noise and fights in what should be a relaxed, peaceful, recreational facility for use by hospital doctors when off duty.

The minister of Health and Child welfare, Dr Parirenyatwa, is currently facing damaging accusations about his surgery having made as much as US$100, 000, 00 from the Public Medical Health Aid Society (PSMAS) which he was not entitled to.

There are calls from the public and opposition for him to repay the money in full and resign or be dismissed  immediately by the government, which has chosen to turn a blind eye on the rampant corruption.

With such a damning exposure, the health and Child welfare minister will obviously not want to intervene on the Mpilo hospital junior doctors saga as he doesnt have a leg to stand on. by Sibusiso Ngwenya