Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Zimpapers Correspondent
ZIMBABWE and Iran have moved to solidify a strategic healthcare partnership that will see the reopening of a key metropolitan clinic and the large-scale importation of affordable Iranian pharmaceuticals to ease local shortages.
The cooperation was formalised during a courtesy call paid yesterday by Iranian Ambassador to Zimbabwe Mr Amir Hosseini on Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora in Harare.
A primary focus of the bilateral talks was the restoration of the Red Crescent Clinic.
Located in Harare’s central business district, the facility was previously operated through a tripartite agreement among Iran, the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) and the Zimbabwe Government.
Dr Mombeshora confirmed that the clinic’s reopening was imminent, pending the resolution of “minor issues” regarding its operational framework.
“There are only minor issues which need to be clarified so that the clinic can be reopened and run smoothly,” Dr Mombeshora said. “The Ambassador is going to engage the President of the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society to finalise the outcome, as they are under an existing MOU.”
To address the scarcity of essential drugs in the country, Minister Mombeshora also revealed that the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe (MCAZ) has initiated the registration of Iranian-made vaccines, serums and general medicines.
“We are very happy with the prices that those medicines are and it will go a long way in alleviating the shortages that we have in the country.”
He also revealed that plans are currently being finalised to bring Iranian specialist physicians to work in Zimbabwean hospitals
“We also talked about medical tourism. Yes, a few of our patients have been there and we want to see more cooperation in that area. We also talked about seeing some specialist physicians from Iran coming to work in Zimbabwe. There are a few stages that need to be cleared.”
On his part Ambassador Hosseini said his country remains committed to working with Zimbabwe.
“We are prepared to collaborate with our partners in Zimbabwe to establish pharmaceutical manufacturing units in Harare and we are also ready to exchange knowledge in this area.”
He also characterised the meeting as a precursor to a period of intense cooperation, noting the fraternal bond between the two nations.
“With the variety of issues on the agenda . . . I am sure that the year 2026 will be a very successful and constructive year for both brotherly countries,” said Ambassador Hosseini.
