Harare, Zimbabwe – A prominent Harare gynecologist, Founder and CEO at Executive Women Health Clinic Dr. Christopher Chirume of Executive Women Obstetrics & Gynaecology Health Clinic, is facing serious allegations of medical negligence, financial exploitation, and patient abuse.
A ZiMetro News investigation, based on testimonials, medical reports, and first-hand accounts, suggests that Dr. Chirume’s conduct has not only endangered a patient’s life but also highlights a troubling lack of accountability within the country’s health sector.
The scandal centers on an incident where Dr. Chirume allegedly performed a legal abortion but then failed to provide crucial aftercare. The patient was reportedly abandoned without proper monitoring or a transfer plan, leading to severe blood loss. She was only saved after being rushed to another private hospital in Harare, where specialists confirmed her life was in serious danger due to Dr. Chirume’s negligence.
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Instead of offering assistance or remorse, Dr. Chirume is accused of taking a hostile stance, allegedly reporting the patient to the police for “causing drama” at his clinic.
The ZiMetro News investigation uncovered a pattern of exploitation at Dr. Chirume’s practice. Patients reported being charged a staggering USD $150 for a pill that typically costs only USD $30.
This five-fold markup has left many women feeling financially abused during their most vulnerable moments, representing a clear violation of medical ethics.
Witnesses described a toxic and intimidating environment at the clinic. During the patient’s ordeal, his receptionist reportedly boasted, “Rumbidzai said we are untouchable. We are a close relative of senior Dr. Chirume, who is in charge of quality control at the Ministry of Health. You will be wasting your time. We have protection.” This statement suggests that powerful connections may be used to evade accountability, raising serious questions about the Ministry of Health’s oversight.
This alleged abuse of power appears to directly contradict President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s repeated calls to revive and reform Zimbabwe’s health sector. When doctors act with impunity, it erodes public trust in reproductive health services, with potentially deadly consequences for patients who are then hesitant to seek care.
A formal medical report from a respected private hospital, reviewed by ZiMetro News, corroborates the claims of Dr. Chirume’s unprofessional behavior and negligent treatment. When contacted for a comment, Dr. Chirume only responded by stating he was “not around.”
This case underscores a critical issue in Zimbabwe’s healthcare system: who protects patients when private practitioners put lives at risk? If claims of political protection are true, it could mean that rogue doctors continue to practice with impunity, sabotaging national health reforms.
How can patients report medical malpractice in Zimbabwe?
- In Zimbabwe, patients can report medical malpractice to the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe (MDPCZ), which is the statutory body responsible for regulating the conduct of doctors and dentists. Another relevant authority is the Health Professions Authority of Zimbabwe (HPA), which is the overarching regulatory body that oversees the professional councils and handles appeals or complaints about health institutions. While the Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) is a non-governmental organization that advocates for patient rights, it is not a statutory body with disciplinary powers but can offer guidance and support. For specific issues regarding the quality or safety of medicines and other regulated health products, complaints can be lodged with the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ).
ZiMetro News will continue to follow this story, pushing for transparency and accountability because, in healthcare, negligence is not just a professional failing—it can be a death sentence.