Zimbabwe’s New Mothers: Struggling for Access to Free Child Health Cards
Mothers in Zimbabwe face extortion for Child Health Cards, essential for tracking infant health. Although intended to be free, these cards are becoming increasingly hard to obtain, leading to a black-market situation. The Ministry of Health acknowledges issues in supply and the resurgence of maternity fees adds to financial burdens. Chronic corruption and economic challenges contribute to the healthcare crisis, necessitating urgent reforms.
In Zimbabwe, new mothers encounter significant challenges in acquiring Child Health Cards, essential documents meant to track infants’ health records, vaccinations, and growth. These cards, intended to be free, have become difficult to obtain due to a reported shortage at public health facilities, despite official statements indicating a sufficient supply. This situation has led to the emergence of a black market, where health staff sell the cards for as much as $5, thereby exploiting vulnerable mothers already burdened by the healthcare system’s inefficiencies.
The illicit sale of Child Health Cards has become an open secret. Medical professionals involved in these transactions typically work in collusion, with some nurses and junior staff members discreetly selling the cards. Reports suggest that individuals who sell a significant number of cards can profit up to $500, with none of these funds benefitting the public healthcare system. As a result, new mothers face heightened stress, having to track their children’s medical history on paper scraps due to the lack of access to official documentation.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care acknowledges the erratic supply of Child Health Cards, acknowledging that mothers are frequently compelled to buy these essential documents. Compounding this problem, there has been a silent reinstatement of maternity fees in public hospitals, which could further hinder access to necessary services for new mothers.
Zimbabwe’s healthcare system faces obstacles such as budget constraints and chronic corruption, further exacerbated by economic instability and high inflation. A decline in staff morale has led to increasing demands for bribes from healthcare workers, which has been linked to the deteriorating conditions within the system. Activists argue that maternal health services should remain free, asserting that childbearing contributes significantly to national demographics.
Mothers like Valerie Shangwa, who recently delivered at a private hospital, find themselves without proper documentation, complicating their ability to track their child’s healthcare needs. Health card supply issues are attributed to inefficiencies within the supply chain and a lack of sufficient funding. Nevertheless, health authorities must reform their procurement process to ensure these critical cards reach mothers without additional financial burdens. Mothers like Faith Musinami have no choice but to pay for these cards, compromising their finances just to access basic healthcare.
The situation surrounding Child Health Cards in Zimbabwe underscores the deep-seated issues within the healthcare system, particularly for new mothers. Document shortages, corruption, and the return of maternity fees pose ongoing challenges. It highlights the necessity for systemic reforms to ensure free and accessible maternal healthcare and the provision of vital documentation without financial obstruction. Activists stress that addressing these issues is essential for the well-being of mothers and their children.
Original Source: globalpressjournal.com
