Online Reporter
Zimpapers Reporters
ZIMBABWEANS have expressed renewed optimism for the national healthcare system following a landmark agreement between Zimbabwe and Belarus to revamp and modernise public hospitals, beginning with Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. The initiative is expected to significantly reduce the foreign currency outflow currently spent by citizens seeking specialised medical treatment abroad.
The countries most commonly visited for such treatment include India, China, and South Africa.
Significantly, an agreement was signed focusing on the refurbishment of Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and the strengthening of health sector partnerships.
The deal, one of eight Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) witnessed by President Mnangagwa and his Belarusian counterpart, President Aleksandr Lukashenko, on Wednesday, aims to deliver world-class infrastructure, state-of-the-art equipment, and improved pharmaceutical supplies to Zimbabwe’s public health institutions.
Once Parirenyatwa is modernised, similar developments are expected to cascade to provincial and district hospitals across the country.
Speaking to Zimpapers yesterday, Harare residents described the signing of the deal as a welcome development.
“This is a welcome development from the President. I’m really looking forward to these new hospitals. I hope it means we’ll get better care than we are getting now. I hope the state-of-the-art hospitals will improve patient care, enhance safety, and ensure efficient operations, while also boosting the local economy,” said Mr Kudakwashe Sibanda.
Businessman Mr Samson Benhura also expressed optimism.
“The state-of-the-art hospitals with modern equipment will save the country significant foreign currency, which is currently being spent by many patients travelling abroad — mainly to India, China, and South Africa — for specialised treatment,” he said.
Mrs Grace Mandaza, a 54-year-old cancer survivor, shared her experience.
“I received help from Parirenyatwa Hospital when I was diagnosed with cancer five years ago. But many others have not been so fortunate because the machines have often been out of service. If these renovations can begin soon, they will benefit hospitals across the country, especially in areas where access to healthcare is limited. Many lives will be saved. We have waited too long for such services.”
Another resident, Mr Tawanda Gono, also expressed hope for improved public healthcare.
“I am thrilled to hear about the Government’s deal to revamp our hospitals. This is a much-needed step towards improving healthcare in Zimbabwe. The upgrades will not only enhance the facilities but also ensure better care for patients. We look forward to seeing the positive changes that will benefit our community and restore confidence in our healthcare system,” he said.
The deal comes at a time when the Government has faced criticism from the public over the state of public health institutions, which have struggled to provide critical services due to various challenges.
Ms Alice Zimuto said the signing of the agreement brought hope for better healthcare services.
“This shows our Government has the people at heart and is responsive to our concerns. We raised issues about the state of our hospitals, and the Government has stepped in to address them. We are grateful, as this move will not only improve our health delivery system but also ensure we receive quality services.
“We will no longer need to travel abroad for treatment, as we will be able to access services locally. I hope priority will be given to cancer care units so that patients have access to proper treatment machinery. Dialysis machines should also be made available in hospitals, and maternal healthcare must be given due attention,” she said.
Speaking after the signing of the agreements in Belarus, the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Professor Mthuli Ncube, assured the nation that measures were being implemented to ensure access to quality healthcare as part of the Government’s broader efforts to address citizens’ concerns.
He said the first agreement focused on enhancing physical infrastructure and medical equipment, with plans underway to modernise critical departments such as paediatrics, maternity, outpatient, and ambulatory care services, aligning them with international standards observed in Belarus.
The second agreement targets the procurement of essential medicines and pharmaceutical supplies. The Government will begin importing affordable, high-quality drugs from Belarus, with a long-term goal of establishing local pharmaceutical production through a joint venture to serve both Zimbabwe and the broader region.
