Online Reporter
Ivan Zhakata
Herald Correspondent
THE Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) has called for increased investment in the country’s health sector, saying significant funding is urgently needed to address persistent challenges undermining citizens’ right to quality healthcare.
In a statement on World Health Day, commemorated this Tuesday under the theme “Building a Healthier World for All,” the commission said while Zimbabwe had made notable strides in strengthening the legal and policy framework for healthcare, major systemic barriers remained.
“Zimbabwe has made notable strides in laying legal, policy and institutional foundation for the realisation of the right to health,” read the statement.
ZHRC acknowledged the Government’s efforts, with support from development partners and other stakeholders, to expand health infrastructure and services through initiatives such as the National Health Strategy, the National Health Insurance Scheme and investments in primary healthcare facilities.
“The Commission acknowledges the efforts by the Government of Zimbabwe, supported by development partners and other stakeholders, to expand health infrastructure and services,” reads the statement.
However, the commission said the public healthcare delivery system continues to face serious challenges, including shortages of medicines for chronic illnesses, deteriorating infrastructure and staff welfare concerns.
“Some of the challenges impeding enjoyment of the right to healthcare in the country are shortages of drugs for chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, mental health as well as essential sundries,” reads the statement.
ZHRC said many hospitals built during the colonial era are now in disrepair and face critical shortages of key diagnostic equipment, such as CT scanners and dialysis machines.
“Infrastructure for many hospitals built in the colonial era is in disrepair, with critical shortages of diagnostic machines such as CT scanners and dialysis machines,” read the statement.
The commission said water and sanitation problems, outdated facilities and poor staff welfare continue to characterise the public health system.
According to ZHRC, the challenges disproportionately affect vulnerable groups, particularly women, children and persons with disabilities, especially in rural communities.
“The challenges are exacerbated for women, children, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), particularly in rural communities,” reads the statement.
The commission said the World Health Day theme should serve as a call for Government to increase budgetary allocations to the health sector in line with the 2001 Abuja Declaration, which urges African countries to dedicate at least 15 percent of national budgets to health.
“Such an investment is urgently required for implementation of the National Health Insurance Scheme, infrastructural rehabilitation and equipment procurement,” reads the statement.
ZHRC also expressed concern over the current industrial action by nurses and urged the Government to urgently review salaries and conditions of service for healthcare workers and the wider civil service in line with the rising cost of living.
“The commission therefore urges the government to meaningfully review salaries of nurses, doctors and other personnel at public health care institutions,” read the statement.
The commission said building a healthier Zimbabwe required collective action and sustained investment to ensure universal access to healthcare for all citizens
