Mudzi mothers in distress as Kotwa Hospital hikes maternity fees
Pregnant women in Mudzi District are facing renewed financial pressure following a sharp increase in maternity fees at Kotwa District Hospital, sparking public outrage and urgent calls for government intervention.
In a letter seen by AfroGazette, hospital authorities announced that with effect from 8 December 2025, maternity consumable fees will now stand at US$40 for normal delivery and US$100 for Caesarean section, while other patients will be charged according to consumption levels.
The hospital said maternity consumables remain subsidised.
Hospital management said the adjustment is meant to “reduce client costs associated with transfers due to shortages of consumables at the hospital” and reaffirmed its commitment to “accessible and affordable healthcare services.”
However, the announcement has triggered anger and desperation within the community, with residents accusing the facility of placing maternal healthcare beyond the reach of ordinary villagers already battered by economic hardships.
“These charges are simply unaffordable for most families in Mudzi,” said a community member who requested anonymity for fear of victimisation.
“On top of that, patients are always given prescriptions and forced to buy medicines from a pharmacy believed to be owned by relatives of hospital staff.
“We are denied medication at the hospital itself.”
The anonymous source further claimed that food served to in-patients is of poor quality, while ambulance services are charged at exorbitant rates, making emergency referrals financially crippling for families.
“Women are now afraid to go to hospital because everything has become commercialised.
“Even when you’re in labour, you must think about money first. This is unacceptable,” the source said.
The community has since made a formal appeal to the government urging authorities to subsidise or completely waive maternity fees at Kotwa Hospital to ensure that expectant mothers can access safe delivery services without financial hardship.
“We are pleading with the government to intervene so that women can receive proper care, medication, decent food and affordable transport.
“The lives of our mothers and babies are at risk,” the source added. *_-Afrogazette_*
TOP PIC: File picture of pregmant mothers
