Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) has castigated the ruling party for partisan distribution of health services, goods and abuse of parastatals by the ruling party officials.
ZAHR ‘s sentiments were prompted by a leaked communication between health minister Obadiah Moyo and ZANU PF national secretary for commissariat Victor Matemadanda where Moyo directed Natpharm to release drugs to Lupane health institutions ahead of a by-election that was held on August 3 2019.
The doctors’ body was concerned over the move by ZANU PF for abusing office through distributing drugs on partisan lines to further political ambitions.
“Partisan distribution of medical goods and services is an affront to health for all and the right of everyone to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health. The move reveals deep seated structural barriers to health for all in Zimbabwe,” read part of the statement released by ZADHR Wednesday.
ZADHR said the leaked communiqué was clear testimony that government was providing drugs to serve political and urged the Zimbabwe Anti-Corruption Commission to investigate the matter.
“As ZADHR we believe distribution of drugs and services must be based on population, disease burden and current stocking levels and not on a parochial partisan political agenda.
“ZADHR calls upon all stakeholders including the ZACC to investigate the Minister on criminal abuse of office and bring him to account on the move,” further reads the statement.
ZADHR has urged the government to be properly equipped and to ensure that the health funding is not used for the favour of political partisans.
The body’s call for investigations on Moyo follows same sentiments by Parliamentary Portfolio for Health chair Ruth Labode who labelled the development as ‘abuse of authority’ and MDC’s Jacob Mafume also came out guns blazing over Moyo’s actions.