Online Reporter
Sikhumbuzo Moyo
Senior Zimpapers Reporter
THE Government this week embarks on national public consultations on the proposed Road Accident Fund Bill to establish a purse to guarantee immediate medical care for victims of road accidents without argument or wrangling.
Zimbabwe experiences a road traffic crash every 15 minutes, resulting in over 35 000 accidents annually, leading to over 1 500 deaths.
In a statement, the ministry said the consultations will start in Marondera, Mashonaland East, on Thursday and spread to other parts of the country.
“The Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Development hereby invites all members of the public to participate in stakeholder consultations on the proposed Road Accident Fund Bill,” reads the statement. “This is your opportunity to contribute your views and help shape this important legislation.”
From Marondera, the consultations will move to Mutare on Friday at the Traffic Safety Council of Zimbabwe offices, with Masvingo’s Junior High School being the venue on Saturday.
Bindura Primary School will be the venue for the consultations on Monday next week, with the Ministry wrapping up its programme in Victoria Falls.
According to Dr Clifford Gobo, a certified road safety practitioner with research interests in transport infrastructure finance and economics, by removing financial uncertainty, the fund would allow responders to act immediately, without waiting for insurers or families to confirm payment, more so as the country’s insurance system often delays treatment as parties argue over liability.
“The Road Accident Fund ensures that every victim receives care immediately, vulnerable groups such as pedestrians, passengers and cyclists are protected and hospitals can admit patients without demanding upfront payment. This approach aligns with global best practice and reduces administrative bottlenecks,” said Dr Gobo in an article published by Zimpapers recently.
He said the interventions directly reduce mortality and long-term disability, aligning Zimbabwe with WHO recommendations on post-crash care.
Dr Gobo said medical experts refer to the first 60 minutes after a crash as the Golden Hour, the window during which rapid medical intervention dramatically increases survival chances, adding that research shows that victims treated within this period have survival rates of up to 80 percent while delays often lead to irreversible damage or death.
“In Zimbabwe, the Golden Hour is frequently lost due to slow ambulance dispatch, lack of fuel or functional vehicles, payment disputes, delayed hospital admission and poor coordination among responders. The Road Accident Fund directly targets these failures by guaranteeing immediate funding for evacuation and emergency care,” said Dr Gobo.
He said by covering medical costs for crash victims, the Road Accident Fund would reduce uncompensated care, free up hospital resources and enable investment in trauma infrastructure.
The proposed funding model for the Road Accident Fund includes 35 percent of third-party insurance premiums, possible levies on vehicle imports, “sin taxes” on alcohol and cigarettes and a share of traffic fines.
“This diversified revenue base mirrors global public health financing models and reduces pressure on the national budget,” said Dr Gobo.
