By Tatiana Mhararira
Women in Masvingo have raised concerns over the hike of maternal fees at council clinics which were increased to US$25 from US$6 saying it was not affordable for most of the residents, as the fees do not match with services provided at the clinics.
Speaking at a community engagement organized by Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET) on March 28, 2025, ward 1 resident Thandiwe Moyo said most women could not afford the maternal fees charged with services beyond the price charged.
“Council has raised the maternal fees but we are not getting services worth the price because there is no food at Mucheke clinic for those who would have given birth, patients have to get food from home.
“There are no needles, no oxygen tanks in most cases they use the ones from Masvingo Provincial Hospital and also there are no blankets. We appeal to authorities for services to match with the new fee,” said Moyo.
Another woman also said the resident doctor was not always available which was problematic when it comes to consultations.
“The doctor at Mucheke clinic is found on Wednesdays only and we appeal with the authorities to have the doctor available throughout the week because if one fails to book for consultation on Tuesday that means one will see him the next Wednesday,” she said.
In his response, Masvingo City representative Tinashe Chamwaita said the council will be advised on the short time availability of medical doctors at Mucheke Clinic.
“I will advise council so that we also get more doctors to assist at Mucheke clinic because the one we already have is a volunteer. So maybe we might need others to be included in the budget so that they assist ill residents at the expense of the city council,” said Chamwaita.
