Outcry over HIV drug charges

SYDNEY SAIZE IN MUTARE

People living with HIV/AIDS, community based organisations and civil society organisations, have expressed concern over high fees  being charged at the Mutare city council run health institutions, resulting in many failing to access the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART).

Hospitals and clinics run by the Mutare City Council are allegedly arm-twisting people on ART to pay for the service on the pretext it “is for administrative costs and ancillary expenses”.

Casper Pound, the coordinator with the Family Aids Support Organisation, told Business Times, most people on ART cannot afford to pay for the service.

“It is a requirement at council-run clinics and hospitals in Mutare to pay US$5 to get supplies. It used to be US$1 and it was later increased to US$3 and currently it is pegged at US$5 per each collection for an individual,” Pound said.

“Surely how many can afford to get this money for a single collection when we know these drugs are given out for free from friendly countries that donate to us.

“It is exploitation of its worst format. What it simply means is that if at a household there are more people on ART they have to fork out more each time they need supplies.”

Madeline Dube, a director of communications with the National Aids Council said it is unheard of to charge for the service for people on ART.

“I think it is something that we need to pursue with the authorities to find out what is really happening here,” Dube said during a recent workshop in the eastern border city.

“We need answers on this claim and find the truth as we cannot fold our hands on this matter. The drugs are given to us for free, henceforth beneficiaries need to get them freely as well.”

The Manicaland provincial development and devolution secretary Edgar Seenza said he was not aware of the development and promised to investigate the matter further.

“I am hearing it for the first time, but will need to check with the council and the Ministry of Local Government on that position and the budget issues,” Seenza said.

Newly elected Mutare mayor councillor Simon Chabuka said he would need time to check with the senior health head of the department on the situation.

“Allow me to get the full details on the matter and give you the correct position,” Chabuka said.