MILLICENT HUNGWE
A storm is brewing at Shurugwi District Hospital, where Nurse Virginia Mutetwa, on wheelchair, has allegedly faced discriminatory treatment from the newly appointed Sister in Charge, Omar Mangeya.
The trouble began when Mangeya arrived at the hospital and greeted Mutetwa, saying, “Ok, you are the one living in my house.”
According to sources, this comment implied that Mutetwa shouldn’t be living in the house due to her disability.
This incident was allegedly followed by another on October 14, when Mangeya instructed Mutetwa to return home and report back to work after visitors from Mazowe had left.
Mutetwa confirmed the second incident to The Midweek Watch but declined to comment further.
A witness Marvelous Macheza confirmed the incident, though he remained tight-lipped about details.
The Sister in Charge, Mangeya, refused to comment on the allegations, directing inquiries to the District Medical Officer (DMO) Chandiwana Nyachowe who was not picking up calls.
“Discrimination can have severe effects on individuals and communities, including emotional distress, reduced self-esteem, and physical health problems, however it’s crucial for healthcare institutions to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion,” said a commentator on condition of anonymity.
Midlands Provincial Medical Director Mary Muchekeza said she could not comment before speaking to the DMO.
