Huge increase in health fees

Zimbabwe has announced a huge increase in the cost of health care at public hospitals, as it grapples with the world's highest inflation rate.

Public hospitals fees have gone up from Z$300 to between Z$800,000 and Z$1m (US$10) with immediate effect, the state-owned Herald newspaper reported.

The costs of consultations, maternity services, surgery and intensive care are also increasing.

The government says the rises will help pay for improved care.

The 333,200% increases come a month after the government lifted a freeze on private health care charges, which have since doubled.

'Decongestion'

Correspondents say the old fees of Z$300 were no longer practical, as $100 notes have become virtually worthless and disappeared from circulation....