Online Reporter
Nqobile Bhebhe Zimpapers Senior Reporter
GOVERNMENT will next year embark on the development of a comprehensive 20-Year Health Infrastructure Master Plan designed to transform Zimbabwe’s healthcare delivery system through data-driven planning, strategic investment and expanded access to quality medical services.
Presenting the 2026 Mid-Term Budget Review in Parliament, Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said the long-term infrastructure strategy would culminate in the development of a national health infrastructure blueprint to guide investment over the next two decades.
“Government will also develop a 20-Year Health Infrastructure Master Plan, incorporating GIS based infrastructure mapping, population and service demand projections and investment case development,” he said.
The proposed master plan is expected to strengthen evidence-based decision-making, improve coordination of health infrastructure investments and position Zimbabwe to meet future healthcare needs through a modern, resilient and sustainable public health system.
Prof Ncube said the health sector will remain a key priority in the 2027 National Budget, with increased investment targeting service delivery, infrastructure development and sustainable healthcare financing.
“Health Services Priority will be accorded to strengthening primary healthcare, reducing maternal and child mortality and expanding access to essential medicines. Resources will be channeled towards community health programmes, disease surveillance and pharmaceutical security, complemented by scaled-up domestic health financing to progressively reduce donor dependency and advance universal health coverage,” he said.
He said expanding and modernising healthcare infrastructure will be central to improving access to quality medical services across Zimbabwe.
“Alongside service delivery, the Government will expand and modernise health infrastructure to improve access, quality, resilience and safety of health services countrywide. In 2027, infrastructure investment will centre on the construction of primary and secondary care facilities in underserved communities, targeting completion and equipment of Manyame Hospital, Lupane and Masvingo Provincial Hospitals new primary care facilities, urban district hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo, the upgrading of provincial and tertiary hospitals and staff accommodation at selected facilities,” he added.
The planned investments underscore Government’s commitment to reducing geographical disparities in healthcare access by expanding services to previously underserved communities while upgrading existing institutions to meet growing demand.
The long-term blueprint, which will incorporate Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-based infrastructure mapping, population growth projections, health service demand forecasting and investment case development, forms part of the Government’s broader strategy to build a resilient, equitable and modern health sector.
The proposed master plan is expected to provide the Government with a scientific framework for planning future health infrastructure, ensuring that investments are aligned with demographic changes, disease burden and regional healthcare needs while addressing infrastructure gaps across the country.
In addition, the strategy seeks to improve the efficiency of public health spending and support Zimbabwe’s drive towards Universal Health Coverage.
Prof Ncube said the Government will continue strengthening healthcare services by prioritising preventive and community-based interventions while reducing dependence on external funding.
The programme also seeks to improve working conditions for healthcare professionals through the construction of staff accommodation, a move expected to enhance staff retention, particularly in remote areas.
Prof Ncube said the health infrastructure programme would also focus on rehabilitating existing facilities to improve service quality and patient safety.
“Government will also target the refurbishment and upgrading of central, provincial and district hospitals, including theatres, wards, outpatient departments, kitchens, laundries, mortuaries and incinerators, across provinces and districts,” he said.
Recognising the growing impact of climate-related shocks and utility disruptions on healthcare delivery, the Government will also invest in renewable energy and water security for health institutions.
“To enhance resilience to utility disruptions, priority will also be accorded to the solarisation of public health facilities and staff accommodation, alongside the installation of boreholes and water storage systems,” he said.
