Bedridden Nurse Appeals for Spinal Surgery Funds After Ministry Neglect
MASVINGO – A former nurse from Bikita Rural Hospital is seeking public assistance for critical spinal surgery after sustaining injuries while performing government duties in 2018.
Progress Muzuva, once employed by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, says she has been left bedridden and unsupported following a violent incident that occurred during a late-night emergency ambulance mission.
The ordeal began in August 2018 when Muzuva was instructed to accompany a maternity patient in an ambulance from Bikita Rural Hospital to Silveira Mission Hospital.
During the journey, the patient reportedly became violent and attempted suicide, assaulting both Muzuva and the driver.
They eventually completed the transfer, but Muzuva started experiencing excruciating pain by morning. Her leg became swollen, and she struggled to walk.
She was referred to Silveira Mission Hospital where an X-ray confirmed her leg was fractured.
Over time, she developed additional pain in her ribs, back, and left hand. Her leg was placed in a cast, but her condition worsened, eventually rendering her immobile.
Despite undergoing several X-rays at both public and private facilities, her deteriorating health continued to be met with administrative indifference.
Muzuva claims the Ministry of Health placed her on ordinary sick leave instead of compensatory leave, despite the injury having occurred in the line of duty.
When she was referred to Claybank Hospital in Gweru for further examination, she was denied ambulance transport and a referral letter.
Muzuva, bedridden at the time, had to hire a private ambulance and later a kombi to reach the hospital.
At Claybank, doctors confirmed a serious back injury and advised an MRI scan in either Harare or Bulawayo. After months of struggling to raise the necessary funds, the scan was completed and showed a broken spine requiring urgent surgery.
Still, the Ministry offered no assistance. Her salary was paid in full for only two months, halved in the third, and then stopped.
Requests for compensatory sick leave were reportedly ignored by the district HR office.
In December 2019, Muzuva underwent spinal surgery in Harare after partially covering the costs herself. However, the operation failed to restore her mobility, and she remained bedridden.
In 2021, she was informed the Ministry intended to retire her.
Muzuva requested compensation and reimbursement for her medical expenses instead, but received no response.
According to Pindula, her situation became more complex in 2024 when she discovered a leaked letter stating she had been retired in January 2022—without her knowledge.
Despite being told otherwise by officials at the Ministry’s head office, she says she was later pressured to submit a retirement request in June 2024.
A confirmation letter followed but bore the same incorrect backdated retirement date.
Repeated efforts to meet the Permanent Secretary and the Minister of Health were unsuccessful.
Muzuva had secured a March 2025 appointment with the Minister, but it was abruptly cancelled.
In January of the same year, she underwent a second spinal operation—decompressive laminectomy with posterior instrumentation—but she continues to suffer due to lack of funds for post-operative care and physiotherapy.
Now owing over US$11,200 in medical and borrowed funds, Muzuva is appealing for financial assistance to undergo further treatment and support her family.
Doctors say another procedure is necessary to stabilize her spine and reduce chronic pain.
Contact Information for Assistance
Cell: (+263) 0773940105 — Progress Muzuva Ecocash: 0773940105
Bank Details: POSB USD Account: 500004845938 ZIG Account: 201310005724