Zimbabwe’s Hospitals Ranked: Mpilo Tops Death Rate

Zimbabwe Hospitals Ranked: Mpilo’s Mortality Woes

Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo has recorded the highest patient mortality rate  (death rate) among Zimbabwe’s referral hospitals, according to patient admission data from January to August 2024.

Statistics obtained by CITE reveal an alarming mortality rate of 8.4% at Mpilo, compared to 8% at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare. These figures emerged during the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s end-of-year review meeting held in Bulawayo from December 9 to 13, 2024.

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Mortality Rates Raise Concerns

From January to August 2024, Mpilo Hospital admitted 18,367 patients and discharged 17,316. Parirenyatwa admitted 19,437 and discharged 18,586. Despite high patient turnover, these hospitals recorded the highest death percentages.

“Mpilo has fallen. There is poor management, gross indiscipline and no accountability,” said a hospital source, speaking on condition of anonymity. They also cited insufficient medical supplies as a major factor.

Bulawayo Provincial Medical Director, Dr Maphios Siamuchembu, referred inquiries to Mpilo’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Dr Dzvanga. However, Dr Dzvanga, currently on leave, directed questions to acting CMO, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya.

Prof Ngwenya acknowledged the situation, stating,

“The figures are terrible, but the hospital is taking measures to restore its previous better standing.”

Uneven Performance Across Hospitals

Sally Mugabe Hospital reported a 7.4% death rate, handling the largest number of admissions—39,395—and discharges—36,757.

United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) recorded a lower death rate of 5% from 16,230 admissions. Chitungwiza Hospital stood out with the lowest mortality rate at 4%, discharging nearly all its admitted patients.

Dr Themba Bulle, a Zimbabwean general practitioner based in Australia, highlighted systemic issues.

“The rich have access to private healthcare or foreign hospitals, while ordinary citizens die in squalor at Mpilo and Parirenyatwa,” he said.

Dr Bulle added,

“Many never make it to these hospitals, dying at home due to a lack of ambulances and money. Zimbabweans should demand a functional, state-funded healthcare system.”

Calls for Reform

Itai Rusike, Executive Director of the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH), emphasised the need for greater investment.

“Health spending reflects the priority given to health. Zimbabwe spends only 2.79% of its GDP on healthcare, far below the 5% recommended by the World Health Organisation,” he noted.

In 2025, Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health received 10.2% of the national budget, down from 10.6% in 2024. “The Abuja Target remains elusive,” Rusike added, referring to the 15% target set by African governments in 2001.

Hospital Admission Data (January–August 2024)