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GOVERNMENT’S programme to transform and modernise the health sector got a major boost recently when the European union (EU) announced a 4,2 million Euro funding package for the health sector. The funding is meant to support the establishment of the National Public Health
Institute (NPHI), a key step toward building a resilient, co-ordinated and responsive national health system.
The EU investment will facilitate the development and operationalisation of the institute, which will enhance disease surveillance, improve research, upgrade laboratory systems and bolster rapid response to emergencies.
The programme to transform and modernise the health sector, which involves upgrading of infrastructure, equipping health facilities and improving drug supply and other consumables has already started.
This follows an agreement signed between Zimbabwe and Belarus during President Mnangagwa’s State visit to Belarus early this year.
The two countries agreed to start the modernisation programme with the reconstruction of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare before the programme is cascaded across the country, targeting mainly provincial and district hospitals.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the EU funding was coming at the most opportune time when Government has already started work to revamp its health care system.
He said the NPHI will serve as a central hub for evidence-based decision-making and health intelligence.
A few weeks ago, Government handed over 10 fully equipped state- of-the-art Toyota Land Cruiser ambulances to provincial hospitals.
The state-of-the-art ambulances are fitted with delivery packs for pregnant women, resuscitation equipment, masks, intravenous lines for drips and oxygen tubes, among other emergency equipment.
The ambulances can transport even the critically ill patients from one place to the other.
The ongoing programme to upgrade infrastructure and equip health facilities is meant to ensure citizens across the country receive quality health care.
Government is also increasing resources allocated to the health sector in line with the Abuja Declaration. The Abuja target is for countries to allocate 15 percent of their annual budgets to the health sector.
Government recently announced that its allocation towards health had increased from 9,8 percent of the national budget in 2024 to 13,01 percent this year as it moves towards the 15 percent Abuja target.
We want at this juncture to commend the EU for its bold move to support the transformation and modernisation of our health sector and call on other development partners to come on board to enable the Government to accelerate the implementation of the programme.
Online Reporter