Online Reporter
Debra Matabvu, Harare Bureau
THE Government has allocated a substantial ZWG 4 billion in the upcoming 2026 national budget, designated for the sweeping modernisation and strengthening of the nation’s public health infrastructure.
The significant funding, anchored in the 2026 Zimbabwe Infrastructure Investment Programme, is specifically earmarked for the urgent rehabilitation of major hospitals and the nationwide upgrading of critical ambulance services, forming a clear pathway for re-equipping healthcare institutions from central hospitals down to rural clinics.
An inter-ministerial committee will be established to steer the ambitious project, bringing together the Office of the President and Cabinet, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works.
This committee will approve designs, manage payments and monitor the progress and quality of all related works.
“To facilitate predictability and planning of interventions, noting the huge resource requirements, Government will set up a Project Steering Committee.
“This Steering Committee will, among other tasks, define the scope of works and implementation plan guided by available budget, validate designs and bills of quantities, approve interim payment certificates and monitor and evaluate the performance of projects,” the programme document states.
The plan targets several flagship institutions for immediate attention in the coming year.
The nursing school at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and the Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital are both slated for renovation and upgrading.
In Bulawayo, long-awaited rehabilitation will begin on wards, theatres and service blocks at Mpilo Central Hospital. Further developments include completing the first phase of construction at Lupane Provincial Hospital and redeveloping Masvingo Hospital into a centre for diagnosis, teaching and research.
Work is already underway in some areas: refurbishment of the nurses’ residence at Parirenyatwa is complete, major works at Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital are nearing completion, and similar refurbishments are progressing at Mpilo Central Hospital.
“The current initiatives towards rehabilitation and upgrading of Parirenyatwa and Mpilo hospitals will be fully consolidated through establishment of a clearly defined pathway and implementation plan aligned to financial capacity,” the Government’s programme further notes.
Beyond bricks and mortar, the investment will also cover vital medical equipment. A portion of the funds will be used to procure modern equipment for ambulances, strengthening emergency response services at every level of care.
The financial allocation directs the largest share — ZiG 800 million — toward upgrading provincial, district and rural hospitals.
An additional ZiG 656 million is reserved for renovations at central and mission hospitals.
This hospital rehabilitation drive forms a core part of President Mnangagwa’s administration’s broader commitment to public health, often reinforced by first-hand inspections of facilities. It aligns with the national Vision 2030 goal of improving healthcare access and quality for all citizens.
These interventions are expected to deliver modern equipment and strengthen ambulance services at all levels of care, ultimately improving both the availability and standard of health services.
