Online Reporter
Harmony Agere
THE Government has announced plans to decentralise forensic post-mortem examinations following the recruitment of three forensic pathologists from Cuba, a move expected to ease the country’s long-standing challenges in handling specialised post-mortems.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora told Parliament on Wednesday that Zimbabwe had been operating with only one qualified forensic pathologist, making it difficult to provide adequate services across the country.
“Of late, there have been challenges with post-mortems, especially forensic,” he said.
“These specialised procedures are conducted by forensic pathologists who possess distinct training and expertise beyond that of general pathologists.
“Unfortunately, we have only had one such specialist in the entire country.”
The shortage forced families to transport bodies to major hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo, such as Sally Mugabe, Parirenyatwa, Chitungwiza, Mpilo and United Bulawayo Hospitals, for examinations.
In many cases, the pathologist would alternate between the two cities.
Dr Mombeshora confirmed that the three Cuban specialists assumed duty on October 1, 2025, and will now assist in spreading services to other provincial hospitals with the necessary equipment.
“The incoming of the three new forensic pathologists will make their job much easier and allow examinations to be carried out beyond Harare and Bulawayo,” he said.
