Mpilo Central Hospital Records Highest Patient Death Rate in Zimbabwe

Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo has emerged with the highest patient mortality rate among Zimbabwe’s referral hospitals this year.

From January to August 2024, Mpilo recorded an 8.4% death rate, surpassing other major hospitals in the nation.

The hospital saw 18,367 admissions and managed to discharge 17,316 patients within the same period.

Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare follows closely with an 8% mortality rate, indicating a similar challenge in patient care.

Sally Mugabe Hospital, despite its high volume of patients, maintains a lower mortality rate at 7.4%.

With 39,395 admissions and 36,757 discharges, Sally Mugabe shows a more favorable outcome compared to Mpilo.

United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) recorded a 5% mortality rate, demonstrating a better scenario in patient survival.

Chitungwiza Hospital, with the lowest mortality rate at 4%, reflects a high discharge rate relative to admissions.

These figures were discussed during the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s year-end review held in Bulawayo.

Sources at Mpilo, speaking anonymously to CITE, linked the high death rate to resource scarcity and management issues.

Dr. Maphios Siamuchembu, the Bulawayo Provincial Medical Director, directed inquiries to Mpilo’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Dzvanga.

Dr. Dzvanga, currently on leave, passed questions to the acting CMO, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya.

Professor Ngwenya admitted the hospital’s mortality statistics are concerning but emphasized ongoing efforts to improve.

Dr. Themba Bulle, an Australian-based GP, highlighted the disparity in healthcare access between the rich and the poor in Zimbabwe.

He pointed out that the wealthy can seek treatment abroad or in private facilities, leaving public hospitals like Mpilo strained.

Dr. Bulle noted that many Zimbabweans die at home due to the inability to reach hospitals, lacking both funds and ambulance services.

He advocated for a universal healthcare system funded by the state to address these inequities.

This situation at Mpilo Central Hospital underscores broader systemic challenges within Zimbabwe’s healthcare infrastructure.

The hospital’s struggle with high mortality rates reflects the urgent need for better resource allocation and management.

Despite these challenges, the majority of patients at these hospitals are still successfully discharged, indicating some level of care effectiveness.

However, the stark contrast in mortality rates among Zimbabwe’s leading hospitals calls for a deeper investigation into care disparities.

The conversation around Mpilo’s performance is not just about numbers but about the lives of Zimbabweans and the quality of healthcare they receive.

As the country grapples with these issues, the voices calling for systemic change grow louder, demanding a more equitable health system.