The health of ailing prisoners has been compromised following the decision by Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals (PGH) to deny them treatment until it is paid almost $600 000 owed by the Zimbabwe Prisons and Correctional Services (ZPCS). The debt dates back to 2012, and is inclusive of services rendered to prisoners, prison officers and their dependants. ZPCS' concern has been on the welfare of the inmates since prison officers could access healthcare elsewhere.
ZPCS has about 19 400 inmates in its facilities countrywide, inclusive of adult males, females and juveniles. A letter from the hospital director of finance to ZPCS' regional medical officer, dated November 22, 2017 read: "After reviewing your account with Parirenyatwa Hospital, it has come to my notice that you are still not up to date with your payments and you have not responded to earlier communications made to you. As at October 31, 2017, you owe PGH $587 149,96.
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