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MPILO DOCTORS allegedly attempted to swindle the late breast cancer patient US$10 000 for a $2 000 operation
MPILO Central Hospital doctors have been exposed for allegedly attempting to swindle a disabled breast cancer patient by demanding $10 000 for an operation to remove her breasts.
Health experts said the late Ms Phanankosi Dube’s operation was supposed to cost at most $2 000 at a public health institution like Mpilo.
A doctor from Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, phoned the family and advised that the operation could be done at the Harare hospital for less than $2 000.
Mpilo Central Hospital clinical director Dr Solwayo Ngwenya said the minimum cost for operating one breast is $754.
“The minimum cost for breast cancer operation for one breast is $754. The patient pays $12 consultation fee, $30 ward deposit and $200 theatre fee and the patient is given the bill showing the balance after the operation which the patient can pay later. Non-cancer breast operation fee is $300 for one breast,” said Dr Ngwenya.
Dr Ngwenya said Ms Dube’s family was supposed to approach his office when authorities at the hospital wanted to discharge her before she fully recovered.
Dr Ngwenya said members of the public should desist from dealing privately with staff at the hospital because it was a public hospital.
“The issue of costs and payments are dealt with by the hospital’s accounts department and not doctors,” he said.
Ms Dube said she does not understand why her daughter was discharged in that condition which led to her death at home.
Community Working Group on Health director Mr Itai Rusike said such cases should be investigated to establish the truth.
“This is a very unfortunate incident that should never be allowed to happen in a country with a constitution that guarantees every citizen and permanent resident a right to access to basic health-care services,” he said.
source-Thandeka Moyo-chronicle