Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve in Victoria Falls
THE Private Laboratories Association of Zimbabwe (PLAZ) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing significant support to the nation’s healthcare system, positioning itself as an indispensable partner in achieving national health objectives.
This pledge was articulated by PLAZ Chairperson, Mr Admire Chokuma, during a presentation at the recently held Association of Health Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) here in Victoria Falls, where he outlined the pivotal role private laboratories play in strengthening the country’s medical infrastructure.
Mr Chokuma said the core objective of PLAZ is to add value to the Health delivery system through Evidence based Medicine.
“The association’s vision is to improve on laboratory systems, to share resources, technical and business expertise, and to engage in policy Lobbying – Influence Policy Change through lobbying of best laboratory practice and lab-based decision making,” he said.
This comprehensive approach underscores a dedication not only to service delivery but also to shaping a more effective healthcare policy environment.
A key focus of PLAZ’s strategy is pandemic readiness, where private labs are poised to be a formidable force.
“Private labs can quickly scale up testing capacity, reducing the burden on public health laboratories and enabling faster diagnosis and response,” he said.
He also highlighted their role in monitoring the effectiveness of interventions and tracking the emergence of new variants, and Supporting Surveillance: Private labs can participate in surveillance efforts, providing valuable data on disease trends and outbreaks.
Furthermore, by partnering with public health agencies, they can improve response times, reducing the time between diagnosis and treatment.
“We have ongoing collaborations with regional Agencies – ASLM/ Africa CDC, FeLPA, MLCSCZ to promote best laboratory practice and a commitment to support innovative research in Zimbabwe since our members are sitting on crucial data that can assist in treatment protocols
“PLAZ can provide significant support to Zimbabwe’s healthcare system in achieving its national health goals by improving diagnostic capacity, enhancing access to healthcare, contributing to research, building capacity, and promoting preventive care,” he said.
This reaffirmation signals an essential partnership between the private sector and national health initiatives, aimed at building a more resilient and evidence-based healthcare system for all Zimbabweans.
