The Baines Imaging Group (BIG) has raised the alarm following the forcible closure of its Radiology Department at a hospital operated by the group, warning that the unprecedented action is putting patients’ lives at risk.
In a statement, BIG said Avenues Clinic unilaterally shut down emergency and lifesaving diagnostic services at the country’s largest private 24-hour critical care hospital over Heroes Weekend.
The move, they said, was carried out without any legal court papers authorising the removal of BIG from its more than 25-year premises.
Bouncers were reportedly used to physically remove BIG staff and management from the facility, an incident which has been reported to Harare Central Police under case number IR181907.
BIG claims that Avenues Clinic, through its parent company Medical Investments Limited, relied on a disputed arbitration award to justify the shutdown, disregarding public welfare.
The Radiology Department has been closed for over five days, ostensibly for “stock take and asset verification,” leaving critical patients without timely diagnostic services.
The group stressed that attempted boardroom takeovers without proper legal sanction cannot be allowed to jeopardise public healthcare.
BIG has appealed to the country’s highest healthcare authorities to intervene while pursuing legal remedies.
To ensure continuity of care, BIG has been providing 24-hour radiology services from its nearby 52 Baines Medical Centre branch since 12 August.
It sought to reassure doctors, nurses, and other stakeholders that patient care will not be compromised.
