Parirenyatwa, Mpilo Hospital get equipment from sugar tax

Acting Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Anxious Masuka, who was represented by the Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Timios Kwidini, addresses delegates and participants during the official opening of the Goal Getters Girls’ Soccer Tournament

Nyore Madzianike

Senior Reporter

Money collected through the sugar tax has been used to procure hospital machinery and equipment for Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare and Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo, Parliament has been informed.

During the Question and Answer session in the National Assembly today, Deputy Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion David Mnangagwa revealed that the funds had been disbursed to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Timios Kwidini confirmed receiving the funds and said the machines have been procured.

He told Parliament that the equipment is currently being installed at the two referral hospitals.

Deputy Minister Kwidini noted that the machine from Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has since been transferred to Masvingo General Hospital, while the one from Mpilo has been taken to Gweru Hospital.

He mentioned that the Ministry is awaiting for the release of additional sugar tax funds from Treasury to acquire more machines.

The Acting Speaker of Parliament directed the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion to prepare comprehensive statements detailing how much has been raised from the sugar tax and how the funds have been utilised so as to update the

House accordingly.