By Dr. Munyaradzi Chidarikire
On 19th February, 2025, approximately 1,000 mourners gathered in Zimuto rural area, specifically in Mahachi village, to pay their respects to Tariro Mahachi. Tariro tragically passed away on 16th February, 2025, in Harare, following her transfer from Masvingo General Hospital on 13th February, 2025. The cause of her death was severe head injuries sustained earlier that day.
Early on 13th February, at around 4 a.m., Tariro sustained a head injuries in Zimuto. Due to the unavailability of an ambulance in both Zimuto and Masvingo General Hospital, her family was compelled to transport her to the Masvingo General hospital in a private vehicle, covering a distance of approximately 20 kilometers.
Upon arrival at Masvingo General Hospital at around 6:55 a.m., the dedicated nursing staff promptly attended to her. A doctor quickly assessed her condition and recommended a transfer to Harare for a CT scan, as Masvingo General Hospital does not have this critical imaging equipment.
The Constitution of Zimbabwe explicitly guarantees every citizen the right to affordable and quality health care. This fundamental right is crucial for ensuring that all individuals have access to necessary medical services, which are vital for maintaining their health and well-being.
However, when government-owned hospitals and clinics fail to provide essential services such as CT scans, ambulances, and adequate nutrition for patients, it represents a significant violation of this constitutional mandate. The absence of CT scans can hinder accurate diagnoses, while the lack of ambulances can delay critical medical attention during emergencies. Furthermore, insufficient food provision in hospitals can lead to malnutrition and exacerbate health issues for patients already in vulnerable conditions.
Such failures not only undermine the quality of health care but also demonstrate a disregard for the rights of citizens as outlined in the Constitution. It highlights an urgent need for accountability and reform within the health care system to ensure that all Zimbabweans receive the health services they are entitled to, thus upholding the principles enshrined in the Constitution.
Despite being a provincial hospital, Masvingo General Hospital is severely under-resourced. It is reported that of the two ambulances available, one is currently out of service due to mechanical issues, leaving only one ambulance to transport patients to Harare, Bulawayo, and other referral facilities.
The only functioning ambulance was provided to Masvingo General Hospital after it was utilized during the Southern African Development Community (SADC) event, according to a senior official at the hospital. He further noted that district hospitals in Masvingo are better equipped with ambulances than Masvingo General Hospital, largely because they receive donations from non-governmental organizations, among other sources.
Tariro spent nearly 16 hours at Masvingo General Hospital, waiting for an ambulance that took another patient to Harare. During this waiting time, she received no treatment but was on oxygen, as medical staff were unable to diagnose her condition without the necessary scan results.
Desperate for a solution, Tariro’s family and friends implored the medical staff to permit them to drive her to Harare. However, the staff advised against this, citing the lack of essential medical equipment, such as oxygen, in private vehicles that could jeopardize her safety.
Finally, after enduring almost 20 hours post-injury, an ambulance arrived around 10 p.m. to transport Tariro to Harare. She reached the capital in the early hours of 14th February 2025, where she was placed on oxygen and underwent a CT scan. Tragically, she succumbed to her injuries by 9 a.m. on Sunday 16th February 2025.
Announcing Tariro’s death, her sister Anna Mahachi said, “We have lost an intelligent sister, she died in Harare at 9am. We are deeply sadden. May her soul rest in peace.”
Tariro is the second-born child in a family of five. Her siblings include Anna, Peter (who has passed away), Rumbidzai, and Ngonidzashe. Their father died several years ago, and they have a 70-year-old mother.
Tariro’s body was transported back to Zimuto by Nyaradzo Funeral Services on 18th February, 2025, and she was laid to rest the following day, just a few meters from her home.
Speaking at Tariro’s burial, Chief Zimuto encouraged people to support one another during times of bereavement. Meanwhile, village head Mr. Mahachi expressed gratitude to everyone for their support of the family during this difficult time.
The Alliance Church in Zimbabwe, located at Mahoto Business Centre, is where Tariro worshipped. Church members, community members, and others gathered to sing worship songs, offer praises, and preach the word of God, encouraging one another throughout the night and on the day of the burial. Tariro was a beloved member of the community, known for living in harmony with everyone.
This heartbreaking incident highlights the chronic lack of medical resources at Masvingo General Hospital. This is not an isolated case; similar tragedies occurred, such as the death of award-winning musician Garry Mapanzure on October 13, 2023, who perished after being unable to receive timely medical assistance due to the hospital’s inadequate facilities. “He fought for his life for 12 hours, but Masvingo Provincial Hospital had no oxygen, no CT scanner, and no ambulance to take him to Harare,” noted award-winning journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.
The untimely deaths of Tariro and Garry underscore the dire need for urgent action. There is an immediate call to action for the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare, as well as private sector partners, to invest in ambulances, scanners, and other vital medical equipment, ensuring distribution to all medical facilities across Zimbabwe. Government-owned hospitals are increasingly viewed as “death zones,” despite the unwavering dedication of the medical staff at Masvingo General Hospital, who continue to provide care under challenging circumstances.
