Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Mutare Bureau
THE Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring every Zimbabwean has access to quality, safe and affordable healthcare through stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors as the country moves towards achieving universal health coverage under Vision 2030.
Speaking at the official opening of the Private Healthcare Association of Zimbabwe (PHAZ) annual general meeting in Nyanga last week, Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, who was represented by Manicaland Provincial Medical Director Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga, said achieving universal health coverage required a coordinated health system in which all stakeholders worked together to improve service delivery.
“Universal health coverage cannot be achieved by one sector alone. It requires a coordinated approach where every stakeholder contributes towards building a health system that guarantees quality, safe and affordable healthcare for all Zimbabweans,” said Dr Mombeshora.
He said Government recognises the complementary role played by private healthcare providers in broadening access to healthcare services, investing in modern infrastructure and technology, creating employment and supporting national health priorities.
“Our shared responsibility is to build a patient-centred healthcare system that is fair, sustainable and capable of meeting the needs of every citizen regardless of their circumstances,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora stressed that while healthcare services require sustainable financing, no Zimbabwean should ever be denied emergency medical treatment because of financial constraints.
“When life is at risk, the immediate responsibility of the healthcare system is to save lives and stabilise patients.
“Issues relating to payment should only be addressed after that constitutional obligation has been fulfilled,” he said.
He, however, acknowledged that healthcare providers could not be expected to shoulder unsustainable financial burdens indefinitely, adding that Government continues engaging all stakeholders to develop practical financing mechanisms that balanced patients’ rights with the sustainability of health institutions.
“Strengthening healthcare financing remains central to Zimbabwe’s long-term health security strategy,” he said.
