Zimbabwe’s health sector is preparing for sweeping reforms as the Ministry of Health and Child Care outlines a new roadmap aimed at strengthening primary health care, financing, human resources and digital systems.
Speaking on the second day of the Ministry’s Review and Strategic Planning Meeting in Mutare, Health and Child Care Minister Dr. Douglas Mombeshora said the country is entering a new phase as it transitions from the National Development Strategy 1 and National Health Strategy 1 to their second stages.
“Our vision for the sector is clear. We will build a resilient, equitable and high-performing health system—where resources are used efficiently, services reach every citizen, and quality care is a right, not a privilege,” Dr. Mombeshora said.
He emphasised that the reform journey must begin at the foundation, with renewed investment in primary and community-level care.
“Too often, our central hospitals are overwhelmed because patients do not receive care at lower levels. We will invest in community health services, outreach programmes and preventive care so that health reaches every doorstep,” he said.
Dr. Mombeshora also highlighted the challenge of declining donor support, noting that Zimbabwe must now prioritise sustainable domestic financing. He confirmed that the National Health Insurance Bill will be tabled before Parliament before year-end, establishing a framework to protect citizens from catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenses.
“We must ensure more health for the money, and more money for health,” he said, adding that accountability and efficiency will guide all financing reforms.
Related Stories
On human resources, the minister announced that Treasury has approved 14,000 new health posts, with 5,284 expected to be filled before December. “We must deploy staff strategically, improve conditions of service, and build a workforce that is competent, professional and motivated,” he said.
He said equitable distribution—especially to underserved areas—will shape deployment plans, alongside stronger retention and discipline mechanisms.
Dr. Mombeshora also outlined plans to scale up digital health systems, including telemedicine, electronic health records and real-time data platforms.
“Digital health will increase access, improve efficiency, and enhance evidence-based decision making. It is the bridge to a smarter, more responsive health system,” he said.
He called for stronger governance and inter-ministerial collaboration under the One Health approach, stressing that improving national health outcomes requires coordinated action.
“Health is not the Ministry’s responsibility alone. Only a whole-of-government approach, guided by transparency and evidence, will deliver the results our people deserve,” he said.
Dr. Mombeshora urged officials to embrace a results-driven culture and avoid complacency. “We cannot keep repeating old strategies with new covers; we need bold, practical and measurable actions,” he said.
.
Leave Comments