Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora has called for a more open, innovative and investment-friendly health sector, while demanding tougher accountability and professional discipline to ensure public healthcare is not compromised.
Dr Mombeshora said Zimbabwe needs more private investment, innovation and partnerships to improve the healthcare sector, arguing that these must operate within clear rules that put patients and public resources first.
Speaking at the Cimas Healthathon 3.0 grand finale in Harare recently, Dr Mombeshora called for greater innovation and private-sector participation in healthcare.
He said innovation should not be reduced to technology, but should focus on finding practical solutions to problems affecting patients and health workers.
“Innovation is not only about technology or software. It is about doing things differently and better,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora cited new healthcare financing models, smarter referral systems, community health workers, locally produced diagnostics and medicines as examples of approaches that could expand access and improve efficiency.
The ultimate test, he said, should be whether innovation improves patients’ experiences, lowers costs, supports health workers or reaches underserved communities.
Dr Mombeshora also urged the private sector to invest more heavily in health infrastructure and services.
“Government sets policy, provides public health leadership and regulates the sector. But Government cannot, and should not, work alone,” he added.
However, he warned that commercial interests must not undermine public healthcare.
He has stressed the need for health workers to put their professional duties ahead of personal gain, warning against patient diversion, unauthorised private work and the misuse of public facilities, equipment and medicines.
“Duty before personal interest. Patient before profit. Public resources for public service.”
He said credible allegations of wrongdoing must be investigated and those found guilty held accountable, adding: “There must be no sacred cows.”
The minister has also called for greater cooperation between healthcare providers and medical aid societies, particularly over tariffs, co-payments and delayed settlements.
“Doctors and medical aids are not adversaries. You are partners serving the very same patient.”
He said prolonged disputes between providers and funders ultimately hurt patients, arguing that a fragmented health system cannot deliver effectively.
Dr Mombeshora’s position comes against the backdrop of President Mnangagwa’s directive to remove barriers to establishing specialist healthcare facilities and services, as well as structural and utility bottlenecks affecting the sector.
The President has also warned against health-sector “gate-keepers” and “cartels”, calling for greater access to quality and affordable healthcare.
The Healthathon, which attracted 372 submissions before 10 finalists were selected, showcased potential solutions in areas including diagnostics, rural healthcare, emergency response, rehabilitation and medication management.
Bongani Ndlovu