A wave of serious accusations has surfaced against Dr. Chirume, a prominent gynaecologist based in Harare, Zimbabwe. Patients under his care have come forward with claims of alleged negligence, extortion, and various forms of mistreatment, painting a concerning picture of medical and financial harm suffered within his clinical practice in the capital.

The core of the allegations revolves around claims that Dr. Chirume either ignored standard medical care protocols or performed procedures inadequately, leading to preventable complications for his patients. Several individuals assert that their health deteriorated significantly due to what they describe as substandard treatment. One particularly distressing account highlighted a woman who believes her reported symptoms were dismissed by Dr. Chirume, only for her condition to worsen considerably, subsequently leading to additional, unplanned treatments for which she was also billed.

Financial exploitation is another critical aspect of the accusations. Complainants allege that Dr. Chirume demanded exorbitant payments, often exceeding stated or customary fees, as a prerequisite for receiving necessary treatment or for the completion of medical procedures. This pattern of demanding funds in advance, even before a detailed diagnosis or informed consent could be established, has raised serious questions about transparency and adherence to ethical medical billing practices. Patients recall feeling pressured and fearful, believing that refusing these payments or challenging the doctor's decisions could result in abandonment of their care or further reprisals.

Beyond medical and financial concerns, several patients have also reported experiences of physical and emotional mistreatment. They describe a care environment that was allegedly abusive and dismissive of their legitimate concerns, particularly when medical outcomes were poor. This has further compounded the distress experienced by those seeking help, leaving them feeling vulnerable and unheard.

In response to these grave accusations, health watchdogs and various civil society groups have urgently called for a thorough investigation into Dr. Chirume's professional conduct. These organisations are demanding that regulatory authorities conduct comprehensive audits of his patient care practices, billing procedures, and consent protocols to ascertain the veracity of the claims. Legal experts observing the unfolding situation have indicated that if these allegations are proven true, they could constitute significant breaches of medical ethics, potentially leading to both criminal and civil liabilities for Dr. Chirume.

As the controversy gains traction, Dr. Chirume has yet to issue a public statement or response to the detailed allegations. Meanwhile, the powerful testimonies from several affected patients have already reached local media outlets, intensifying public pressure and prompting calls for direct intervention from the Health and Allied Professions Council of Zimbabwe (HAPCZ), the statutory body responsible for upholding professional standards among medical practitioners in the country.

The growing scandal has sparked considerable public concern, particularly regarding the safety, reliability, and ethical standards of maternal and women's health services available in Harare. Observers note that the alleged misconduct, if substantiated, could highlight deeper systemic deficiencies in the governance and oversight of private medical care, underscoring critical issues related to accountability and the fundamental rights of patients within the Zimbabwean healthcare system.