Zimbabwe Limpopo Health MEC

Photo: Arundel Hospital / Facebook

Zimbabwe hospital offers to pay medical bills for woman taunted by Limpopo Health MEC

Phophi Ramathuba’s viral rant has sparked a mixed reaction in SA and Zimbabwe- but help is forthcoming for the hospital patient in Limpopo.

Zimbabwe Limpopo Health MEC

Photo: Arundel Hospital / Facebook

A medical facility based in Harare has offered to cover the hospital bills of a woman who was singled-out and berated by the current Limpopo Health MEC. Phophi Ramathuba caused a viral storm earlier this week, when her exchange with a patient from Zimbabwe was shared online.

Did Phophi Ramathuba go too far?

The MEC was frustrated that a Zimbabwean patient had, allegedly, crossed over the border to receive medical treatment in Limpopo. While laying stricken in her hospital bed, the woman was confronted by Ramathuba – who denounced the strain illegal immigration puts on her department.

The message may resonate with some, but critics have blasted the senior politician for her lack of compassion. Standing over someone’s sick bed and calling them a ‘drain on resources’ is a touch problematic, if nothing else – and calls for her resignation have intensified this week.

Xenophobic Limpopo ZImbabwe hospitals
Limpopo Health MEC Phophi Ramathuba has split opinion online, after her frank conversation with a Zimbabwean patient – Photo: Twitter / TSA composite

Zimbabwe patient belittled by Limpopo Health MEC receives help

However, the folks at Arundel Hospital have stepped in to help defuse this powder keg. The argument over who should foot this patient’s medical bills are all but settled, after the philanthropic practice volunteered to make the payments for care on her behalf.

“Arundel Hospital will settle all outstanding bills for this woman. Do you know who she is? Please contact us if so…”

“At Arundel Hospital, we have an ongoing philanthropic practice, where we provide free medical assistance to individuals from all walks of life. We take pride in our efforts, in collaboration with the Government of Zimbabwe, to provide optimum healthcare to all.” | Arundel Hospital

Zimbabwe hospital ‘not taking donations’ for patient in Limpopo

The response to the institution’s pledge has been overwhelmingly positive across social media – to the point where supporters have tried to offer their own donations. Alas, Arundel Hospital have rejected the public’s money: This one’s on them…