Health Correspondent
HARARE – The abrupt closure of Baines Imaging Group’s (BIG) radiology department at Avenues Clinic has ignited fears of a healthcare emergency, with BIG warning that lives hang in the balance after security personnel ejected its staff without legal authority.
In a charged statement, BIG accused the country’s largest private critical care hospital of shuttering emergency diagnostic services over Heroes Weekend using a disputed arbitration ruling.
“This reckless action disregards public welfare and the urgent need for lifesaving diagnostics,” a BIG spokesperson declared.
“Attempted boardroom takeovers without proper legal sanction cannot be allowed to jeopardise public healthcare.”
Key Allegations:
· Illegal Eviction: Security forces removed BIG staff from their 25-year-old premises despite no court order.
· Regulatory Void: Harare Central Police registered the incident (Case IR181907), but the department remains closed for “stock take and asset verification” – now stretching into a sixth day.
· Patient Impact: Critically ill patients face dangerous delays for CT scans, MRIs, and X-rays.
BIG’s Countermeasures:
While pursuing legal action and appealing to national health authorities, BIG shifted 24-hour radiology services to its nearby 52 Baines Medical Centre.
“We will not compromise patient care,” the group assured doctors and nurses, urging referrals to their alternative facility since 12 August.
Industry Backlash:
The shutdown has exposed fractures in Zimbabwe’s private healthcare governance. Medical professionals privately express alarm, with one surgeon noting:
“Radiology isn’t elective – delays cost lives. This sets a dangerous precedent.” BIG has called for immediate regulatory intervention to prevent further disruptions.
Avenues Clinic and its parent company, Medical Investments Limited, have yet to publicly respond.
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