Mozambique's Ministry of Health (MISAU) has announced a zero-tolerance policy against patient mistreatment, illegal fee collection, and medicine theft at public health facilities across the country.
The declaration was made on Wednesday, 9 July, by Health Minister Ussene Isse at the opening of the sector's 51st Coordinating Council, held in the city of Beira, Sofala province, as reported by O País newspaper.
Expressing concern over a growing volume of complaints circulating on social media and in the press, the minister challenged health professionals to reflect on the image the sector has been projecting to the population, and signalled his alarm at the frequency of reports detailing irregularities in health service delivery.
Isse was unequivocal in his response to the situation. "Colleagues, we will be relentless on this front. A firm hand against those responsible. And when this component of poor service, illegal charges, and medicine theft has a face, there will be no mercy. Zero tolerance," he declared.
Data presented during the meeting revealed that 54 health professionals have been dismissed nationwide in 2025 for involvement in medicine diversion, illegal charges, and patient mistreatment — figures that the minister said underscored the urgency of the problem.
Isse argued that reversing the situation depends on the commitment and dedication of each individual professional. "The health of Mozambique lies in the dedication of each person, in the courage of each person, in the search for solutions. If each one does this, we will win this battle," he said.
The minister also acknowledged a personal sense of shame over the current state of patient care. "I feel some shame when I am confronted with this issue of how the Mozambican people are being served," he admitted.
Throughout his address, Isse emphasised the need for a fundamental shift in how health workers deliver services, with the stated objective of ensuring the sector is no longer associated with poor care, unlawful charges, or the theft of medicines.
"Our commitment is therefore to be recognised as the group that put an end to poor service delivery," the minister concluded.
Source: Diário Económico
Original article: https://www.diarioeconomico.co.mz/2026/09/09/desenvolvimento-2/misau-decreta-tolerancia-zero-contra-mau-atendimento-e-cobrancas-ilicitas/
