Chronicle Editor
Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter
STAKEHOLDERS in the health sector are optimistic that ongoing efforts to revitalise public health systems will enhance service delivery and improve patient outcomes across the country.
The sector has faced numerous challenges over the years, including outdated infrastructure, equipment and drug shortages, and an unrevised establishment.
However, the Government has reaffirmed its commitment to investing in the health sector, aiming for Universal Health Coverage, especially as studies indicate that fewer than 10 percent of Zimbabweans currently have health insurance.
Mr Itai Rusike, Executive Director, Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) said the health sector was in need of more resources.
“It is undeniable that the country’s health system requires urgent attention, especially giving priority focus to revitalising Primary Health Care and addressing the social determinants of health to achieve Universal Health Coverage, thus enabling every Zimbabwean equitable access to essential quality health services without facing financial hardships. Zimbabwe needs sustained investments in primary health care to revitalize the health system to close gaps in access to services and to address the causes of ill health,” he said.
During the recent Zanu-PF National Peoples Conference several resolutions pertaining to the health sector where made that will improve the sector.
The Government resolved to adequately stock all health facilities with essential drugs, medicines and equipment and to capacitate all provincial and district hospitals.
They further said they will stablish mobile health care facilities in all communities where there are no primary and maternal health care services and expedite the establishment of the national health insurance scheme.
The NHI has been on the cards for 25 years and countries like South Africa have already implemented theirs.
The Ministry of Health said strategies that have been put in place to cushion vulnerable groups such as the over 65 years, children under five, maternity, and disabled to name a few are that they must not pay for services at public hospitals.
Mr Rusike said the people of Zimbabwe expect to see the fulfilment of the Zanu-PF Conference Resolutions regarding the state of the health care in the country.
“Presently, infrastructure in hospitals is dilapidated, some obsolete. Medicines and supplies are in short supply. Doctors, nurses and pharmacists have left and continue to leave the country for greener pastures. The problems in the health sector are compounded by the very high prevalence of largely preventable diseases as well as behaviour, lifestyles, environment and basic water and sanitation issues,” he said.
He said ensuring sustainable progress towards UHC means that Zimbabwe’s public health financing system must routinely generate sufficient, and largely domestic resources to achieve health sector objectives within its macro-economic and fiscal context. 
“It is not only the level of Government health spending that matters for sustainable health systems that can meet UHC goals, but also the efficient and equitable use of those funds. Public budget revenues, as well as the public financing systems that manage those funding flows, therefore play a crucial role in directing money efficiently, equitably and effectively towards UHC goals and other health priorities,” he said.
Dr Maphios Siamuchembu the Provincial Medical Director of Bulawayo also weighed in saying financing is critical.
“I think these resolutions resonate well with me as PMD for Bulawayo. If implemented, they will go a long way in addressing the health needs of those sub-populations. I, however, wish there was also clarity on how the free health care and establishment of health facilities would be financed. As you know, free health care is not really free, it just means someone else is paying for it other than the recipient of the service. That is usually the biggest stumbling block, the lack of money to finance the aspirations,” he said.
Stakeholders also said the new Health Service Commission must address the glaring management and governance issues in the health sector and ensure that the employer of choice for all health workers is Central Government as obtained in the past.
Furthermore, they said these workers require the tools of the trade, which in turn must be effectively and efficiently managed, be they infrastructure, medicines, equipment, ambulances, service vehicles, and new technologies to make their work less tedious than it currently is.
Bongani Ndlovu