Inside backyard clinics’ operations
ABORTIONS and outpatient medical services offered at a minimal financial cost, but in risky conditions, have become easily obtainable in unregistered clinics being established by health professionals around residential areas in Manicaland, The Manica Post can reveal.
Of late, there has been an increase in health professionals and ancillary staff in medical institutions running unregistered backyard clinics in residential areas that are more accessible and affordable for people with varying ailments.
So daring are the service providers that four to five months old pregnancies are being aborted in makeshift surgeries while patients, some with complex medical conditions are being treated in homes, all at a minimal financial cost.
Investigations by this newspaper revealed that residents in Mutare find it cheaper and less strenuous to access medical services from these unregistered backyard clinics sprouting especially in high-density suburbs around the eastern border city.
In recent months, even donated Covid19 related drugs such as Vitamin C, Zinc and Asprin tablets, sanitisers as well as masks are being sold at very low prices in these backyard clinics.
In the NHB section of Sakubva, there is a female nurse (name withheld) working for a public health institution who is widely known for peddling different types of medication to residents.
Residents who were occasionally assisted at her home told this newspaper that they access medication on credit and at lower prices compared to registered pharmacies. In New Dangare in Sakubva, a pharmacist (name withheld) who works for a pharmacy located in the Central Business District is popular for supplying cheaper medical drugs.
In Zororo section of Sakubva, a nurse (name withheld) who works at a local clinic has gained popularity in the neighbourhood for providing accessible and cheaper medication.
In Area 3 Dangamvura, there are two female nurses well-known for conveniently supplying drugs and providing testing services to malaria patients.
The Devonshire section of Sakubva has its own gynaecologist in a male nurse who provides abortion services at a very low cost even though with great risk to life.
In the Bernwin in Chikanga, there is a female nurse who is known for supplying medication for locals at affordable conditions rates. She also has a credit facility.
The trend is not limited to Mutare only
◆ as the Ministry of Health and Child Care recently discovered the existence of a backyard clinic in Mutasa District.
Residents who talked to The Manica Post, said they get medication without any prescription in these backyard clinics and apart from cutting transport costs to hospitals and registered clinics, they are also guaranteed of cheap medicine.
Manicaland Provincial Medical Director, Dr Simon Nyadundu, confirmed that a backyard clinic was busted in Mutasa District recently.
He warned members of the public and medical professional against the dangers of accessing medication in unregistered outlets.
“Generally, as a professional, one is not allowed to run an unregistered health care centre. This also applies to any other member of the public. It is illegal.
“We have one case in Mutasa which was raised and appropriate action was taken. This involved a medical practitioner operating outside his scope. The culprit was brought to book.
“The issue of backyard clinics poses a danger to communities given the lack of basic knowledge and facilities in those ‘clinics’. Ideally, this is an issue that involves all stakeholders including police, the health department and local authorities who are involved in the licensing part of the puzzle,” said Dr Nyadundu.
Acting Manicaland provincial police deputy spokesperson, Sergeant Angella Chinjekure, said: “We have not made any arrests of people operating backyard clinics and pharmacies. However, it is a practice that remains illegal. We warn perpetrators of such practices that the police will not hesitate to enforce the law if need be.”
Mutare City Council spokesperson, Mr Spren Mutiwi, said: “From our internal engagements, we have not received any information relating to backyard clinics.
“We want to encourage members of the public to alert the local authority to thwart such practices. Residents and stakeholders are the eyes and ears of the local authority. We rely on residents and stakeholders on information for us to move in and redress issues.”