MoHCC refutes Chivi Hospital eviction claims

MILLICENT HUNGWE

CHIVI-The Ministry of Health and Child Care has dismissed as false allegations circulating on social media that senior management at Chivi District Hospital issued unlawful and abrupt eviction notices to nurses and ambulance drivers.

The allegations are contained in a letter doing rounds on social media signed by an alleged victim.

The letter, addressed to various government departments, alleges that three senior officials- Matron Dorcas Madziva, Human Resources Officer only identified as Chibhadhi and District Environmental Health Officer only identified as Tivafukidze, abused their authority by issuing one-week eviction notices to staff occupying hospital accommodation.

However, Chivi District Hospital management has refuted these claims, stating that the affected staff were given adequate notice in line with institutional policy.

Chivi District Medical Officer (DMO) James Murahwa said senior nurses and ambulance drivers were formally given three months eviction notices.

He said the initial notice expired on 31 December, and a reminder was also issued again recently.

“The allegations that staff were given a one-week notice is not true,” said the DMO. “They were informed well in advance and served with a reminder before the expiry date.”

The DMO added that some ambulance drivers were occupying full four- to six-roomed houses despite policy provisions that encourage sharing of accommodation in order to create space for other staff members.

“Drivers had been advised to rationalise space usage to accommodate more personnel, by sharing the full houses.

“Regarding the nurses’ accommodation, hospital authorities stated that the housing blocks in question were never intended for permanent residence.

“The blocks were originally designated as temporary accommodation for newly recruited staff and student attaches as they searched for long-term housing.

“The Ministry of Health and Child Care has since decided to convert the blocks into a School of Nursing, necessitating the relocation of occupants,” said Murahwa.

 Matron Madziva said she is surprised with the accusations, stating that she has been on leave since 1 November.

“I am shocked by these allegations because I have been on leave since early November to present,” she said.

She added that most of the affected staff members own houses in areas close to the hospital but prefer to remain in hospital accommodation, contrary to housing policy.

The DMO reiterated that hospital policy prohibits staff from holding double accommodation, particularly those who have alternative accommodation within proximity of the hospital premises.

“This policy exists to ensure fairness and availability of accommodation for staff who genuinely need it,” he said.

Contacted for comment, Masvingo Provincial Medical Director Dr. Amadeus Shamhu, said he is not aware of the issue.

Below is the full copy of the letter in possession of The Midweek Watch.

Chivi District Hospital

Head Office
Ministry of Health and Child Care

Minister of Health and Child Care
PMD Masvingo
The Minister of State and devolution , Masvingo Province
Honourable MPs Chivi District
DDC Chivi
Dispol Masvingo West
OPC Chivi

Re: Unlawful Eviction Notices and Abuse of Authority at Chivi District Hospital

We are writing to bring to your attention serious concerns regarding the recent actions of certain senior staff at Chivi District Hospital, which have undermined the authority of the Provincial Medical Director and created a hostile environment for essential healthcare workers.

1. Background
   During a meeting held on 5 January 2025, senior staff including Matron Madziva, HRO Chibhadhi, and DEHO Tivafukidze issued eviction notices to senior nurses, ambulance drivers, and other critical staff, demanding they vacate hospital accommodation within one week without providing any lawful justification.
2. Issues Raised

• Arbitrary Evictions: Notices were issued without following due process or providing reasons, violating the hospital’s housing allocation policy.
• Abuse of Authority: The aforementioned senior staff have publicly claimed ownership of the hospital, stating that they “own the hospital and all staff,” thereby intimidating and harassing colleagues.
• Political Interference: There are indications that the housing committee, chaired by Takarwirwa Tivafukidze, is operating under political influence , leading to biased decision‑making and favoritism.
• Impact on Service Delivery: The intimidation and uncertainty have demoralized essential staff, risking disruptions to patient care and emergency services.

1. Requested Actions

• Immediate suspension of the current housing committee pending a full investigation.
• Review and reinstatement of all eviction notices, ensuring compliance with hospital policy and labor laws.
• Disciplinary measures against staff found guilty of misconduct and abuse of authority.
• Assurance of a transparent and fair housing allocation process moving forward.

We respectfully request your urgent intervention to resolve this matter and restore stability and dignity to the staff of Chivi District Hospital.

An appeal has also been made to the PMD to ensure Dr J Murahwa (DMO) and the new Administrator Ms Maoresa work collaboratively with hospital staff

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

Yours faithfully,

Evicted Senior staff at Chivi District Hospital