By Michael Gwarisa
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has issued a stern warning to the public regarding fraudulent individuals posing as facilitators for nurse recruitment in Zimbabwe. According to the Ministry, scammers are exploiting aspiring nursing candidates by falsely claiming to secure their placements at various hospitals for a fee.
The fraudulent scheme is reportedly being orchestrated by individuals using the names “Sister Madya” from the Outpatient Department (OPD) and “Dr. Madyira.” These individuals have been circulating a WhatsApp number (0773815136), alleging that they can assist potential candidates in selecting placements at major hospitals such as Parirenyatwa, Sally Mugabe, United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Mpilo, Gutu, and Karanda.
Victims are being asked to pay USD $75 through money transfer services such as Innbucks or Mukuru as part of the supposed recruitment process. However, the Ministry has categorically stated that nursing recruitment in Zimbabwe is entirely free of charge and that the Government does not require any form of payment for securing employment in the healthcare sector.
Speaking on the matter, the Ministry of Health and Child Care Public Relations Director, Mr. Donald Mujiri, emphasized the need for the public to remain vigilant against such scams.
The Ministry has no affiliation with these individuals, and we strongly urge members of the public to exercise caution. Nursing recruitment is handled transparently through official government channels, and no payments are required at any stage of the process,” said Mr. Mujiri.
He further urged aspiring nurses and the general public to verify recruitment-related information through official Ministry channels and Government State media.
“To protect yourself, always confirm information from our official platforms. If you encounter such fraudulent activities, report them immediately to the Zimbabwe Republic Police,” he added.
The Ministry reiterated that collaboration is essential in curbing such scams and ensuring a secure and transparent recruitment process. Members of the public are advised to refrain from engaging with suspicious entities and to report any fraudulent activities to the authorities.
For authentic updates on nurse recruitment and other health-related matters, individuals are encouraged to follow the Ministry’s verified social media pages and official communications.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care remains committed to upholding transparency and integrity in all healthcare sector processes and will continue working to protect the public from fraudulent activities.