By Staff Reporter
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has come under fire for its handling of Progress Muzuva’s case, who is accusing the ministry of a cover-up.
In a statement dated August 8, the Ministry acknowledged that Muzuva’s injury was sustained in the line of duty, and they have been providing her with necessary care and support.
“We recognize the impact of her injury sustained in the line of duty in 2018 and remain committed to ensuring that all matters are addressed in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and established procedures,” read part of the statement.
However, Muzuva disputed the statement claiming that the ministry had been depriving her of assistance and engaging in a cover-up.
“I am shocked by the Ministry’s pledge that all matters are addressed by applicable laws, regulations, and established procedures, which is the opposite considering the treatment I have received so far from the MoHCC,” said Muzuva.
Muzuva specifically disputes the Ministry’s claim that her compensatory sick leave was processed.
“The ministry is not honest in indicating that Sick leave (Compensatory) was processed, unless they have done it now as a cover-up after my issue came to the public domain,” she said.
According to Muzuva, she consulted with the Provincial Medical Office Human Resource Department in January 2025, and they apologized for an administrative mistake that had been made regarding her compensatory sick leave.
Muzuva also takes issue with the Ministry’s claim that she was receiving medical treatment as needed.
“The Ministry indicated that they offered me transport as and when needed, which is misleading and is bent on trying to clear their names. The truth is that I received transport only 3 times despite having frequent visits to various health institutions using private transport after requests to the District and Province were being turned down,” she said.
Muzuva further disputes the Ministry’s claim that she was granted government patient status and was receiving free treatment.
“The Ministry indicated that they granted me Government patient status, which could be true on paper, but in practice, I have been footing medical bills alone and no free treatment even at Masvingo General Hospital,” she said.
As evidence, she provided proof of payment for a consultation fee and X-ray at Masvingo Provincial Hospital on August 7, 2025.
Muzuva also questions the Ministry’s handling of her medical retirement.
“The Ministry indicated that Medical boards convened in 2020 and 2021 assessed my condition and recommended retirement on medical grounds in July 2021. However, the date of the medical board which recommended my retirement is 11 June 2021, not July 2021 as stated.”
She also claimed that she was retired without her consent and that the Ministry’s statement about her agreeing to retire in June 2024 was inaccurate.
The Ministry has promised to engage with Muzuva to ensure a fair and compassionate resolution. However, Muzuva remains skeptical, citing maladministration and incompetence within the ministry.
“I plead with people around the world, other Zimbabwean government departments, well-wishers, and the donor world to reach out to me with any kind of assistance towards my medical care and welfare and ignore the Ministry of Health Press Statement issued on 8/08/25, which is misleading and trying to deprive me the opportunity for my true story to be heard across the globe and get assistance,” she said.
