Govt Responds To Outcry Over Injured Bikita Nurse’s Plea For Help
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has responded to a wave of public concern and media reports over the plight of Progress Muzuva, a former nurse injured while on duty in 2018, who is now appealing for urgent medical assistance.
READ: https://theobserverzim.co.zw/2025/08/01/abandoned-by-ministry-of-health-bikita-nurse-seeks-funds-for-surgery-after-she-was-assaulted-and-injured-by-a-patient/
In a statement issued on Sunday, 03 August, the Ministry extended its “sincere sympathy” to Muzuva and her family, describing her case as one that “highlights important concerns about the management of occupational injuries and the welfare of frontline health workers.”
The Ministry said her case “has not been ignored by the current administration” and that procedures are underway to address it.
However, it warned that reviewing such cases, particularly those dating back several years, “is not a one-day event,” due to the need for a thorough examination of records and administrative processes.
According to the statement, the matter has been referred to the Ministry’s legal advisors to determine whether all relevant legal and human resources guidelines were followed in Muzuva’s case, including those related to leave, retirement, and benefits.
The Ministry also said it was engaging key stakeholders, such as the Health Service Commission and provincial HR offices, to ensure that all entitlements due to Muzuva are properly accounted for and acted upon. The statement reads in part:
Where gaps or administrative oversights are identified, corrective action will be taken, decisively, in line with established policy and legal frameworks.
Furthermore, the Ministry is initiating a broader review of internal systems to improve how occupational injury cases are managed, with the goal of ensuring timely, transparent, and compassionate responses for all affected health personnel.
While we acknowledge the distress this situation has caused, we assure the public and our health workers that the Ministry remains firmly committed to upholding the welfare of all who serve in our healthcare system.
No one injured in the line of duty should feel abandoned. We thank members of the public for bringing attention to this matter and urge continued patience as we work with urgency and sensitivity toward a fair resolution.
