HARARE – The Health Services Board (HSB) has fired five public hospital CEOs and sent at least a dozen directors from the ministry of health on indefinite leave, it said to facilitate a “restructuring exercise.”

Letters were sent out last week informing the officials that their services were no longer required or are being put on indefinite leave with effect from July 10.

The dramatic move comes just days after health minister Obadiah Moyo was fired from the government over his role in the irregular awarding of drugs and Covid-19 tenders worth over US$60 million to Drax International, a company run by Delish Nguwaya, a close friend of President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s twin sons, Shaun and Collins.

ZimLive understands that the government intends to appoint only specialist doctors as CEOs of public hospitals. Clinical directors at the affected hospitals have been made acting CEOs.

The hospital CEOs who have lost their positions are Ernest Manyawu of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Dr Tinashe Dhobbie of Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (fomerly Harare Hospital), Dr Enock Mayida of Chitungwiza Central Hospital, Nonhlanhla Ndlovu of the United Bulawayo Hospitals and Leonard Mabhandi of Ingutsheni Hospital.

A letter seen by ZimLive addressed to one of the ministry’s directors said the ministry was “undertaking a restructuring exercise aimed at refocusing operations in order to achieve greater efficiency as envisaged in the National Health Strategy.”

The letter, signed by HSB executive chairman Paulinus Sikosana, added: “Your function has been identified as one that will need to be realigned. This letter serves to inform you that effective July 10, 2020, you are hereby put on indefinite leave to facilitate the restructuring exercise. You will not be required to report for duty unless called back to office.”

Over 12 directors are believed to be affected.

HSB sources said the changes were made with the approval of acting health minister Amon Murwira, but were being pushed by military commanders who say there is rampant corruption in the health services chain.

“If you’re suspected of corruption, you will get a letter even before they can prove it. The military is in charge,” the source added.