By Fanuel Chinowaita
Mutare, Hobhouse -17 January 2025 – Serious allegations have surfaced against staff members of Hobhouse Clinic in Mutare, with claims that some are diverting medicines for personal gain and treating patients at their homes for a fee.
A whistleblower from Hobhouse alleged that nurses and administrative staff are involved in the malpractice, turning the public health facility into what some have described as a “private clinic.”
“Nurses are taking medicine home and treating people there,” the whistleblower claimed. “Uncle Sangulani and Kevy, the admin who is often drunk even at work and seen frequenting shebeens after hours, are reportedly treating patients privately and charging them for the service.”
The whistleblower also alleged that essential medicines, including antiretrovirals (ARVs), are being sold illicitly.
“The sister in charge, from my observation, is not involved in these activities. She has expressed interest in investigating the matter herself,” added the whistleblower.
This malpractice reportedly contributed to the tragic death of a tuberculosis (TB) patient who was being treated at home.
Residents have expressed frustration over a lack of access to medicines at the clinic, with staff allegedly claiming shortages while diverting supplies for personal use.
Efforts to get an official comment from Hobhouse Clinic management were unsuccessful at the time of publication. Local authorities are being urged to investigate the claims to safeguard public health and restore trust in the clinic.