Sinokubonga Nkala
Ashley Phiri, ashleyphiri66@gmail.com
HEALTH and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora has urged immediate action to strengthen Natpharm, Zimbabwe’s vital pharmaceutical supply arm, to ensure the availability of essential medicines nationwide.
Speaking at the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s Annual Internal Strategy Meeting in Bulawayo last week, Dr Mombeshora stressed that a significant factor contributing to the healthcare challenges in Zimbabwe is the chronic shortage of essential medicines, with less than 50 percent availability reported in many facilities. He noted that the practice of sending prescriptions outside hospitals should come to an end.
“Our focus is to address the perennial shortage of essential medicines in our facilities. Priority is to capacitate Natpharm to be able to procure and distribute medicines to all our facilities. Sending prescriptions outside our hospitals should stop as we stock our facilities,” he said.
The minister stressed that the responsibility lies with Natpharm to develop innovative and business-minded strategies to ensure sustainable medicine supplies. He proposed the exploration of pooled procurement at both national and provincial levels to boost the agency’s capacity.
“I urge Natpharm to be aggressive in developing innovative and business-minded strategies to ensure sustainable medicine supply. We have considered carefully the need to streamline our procurement processes to minimise wastages and be efficient. Pooled procurement of commodities, maybe at national and provincial levels, has been considered,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora also stated that the ministry is eager to complete outstanding infrastructural projects, which are key to easing the distance travelled to reach healthcare facilities.
“Significant investments have been made in the development and refurbishment of health facilities across the country.
“This includes the construction of new clinics and hospitals, as well as the upgrading of existing ones. Our priority is to complete the ongoing projects and make sure that they are fully functional. For example, we have outstanding projects like the Lupane Hospital, which we have to ensure is completed.
“We continue to seek ways of reducing the distance travelled to reach healthcare facilities,” he said.
The remarks come at a time when the health sector faces numerous challenges, including limited budgetary support and a shortage of trained healthcare workers. The minister acknowledged the financial constraints but reminded stakeholders that innovation is vital in overcoming these hurdles.
“We may not have the adequate financial resources to solve all these problems timely given the fiscal space constraints. So let me implore you as leaders in the sector to be highly innovative in addressing these bottlenecks and be able to provide services. This calls for devising effective and efficient strategies at the local level to leverage the scarce resources available. More Health for the Money,” he said.
The minister also expressed optimism about the potential establishment of the National Health Insurance Scheme, which could further support the health sector. He noted that the recent increase in the health budget for 2025 will be beneficial but implored all institutions to fully utilise the funds.
“I am partially encouraged by the increased budget allocation for 2025, though still falling short of our requirements. The Ministry recently convened a National Health Financing Dialogue with the theme ‘More Health for the Money’.
“Cabinet recently approved principles for establishing the National Health Insurance Scheme for Zimbabwe. I want the Bill presented to Parliament early next year with a view to having an Act by the end of 2025.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, let me remind you to utilise all the resources at our disposal. I noted with concern institutions with very low spending rates. Our budget utilisation rate must always be 100 percent, no excuses on this matter. We cannot afford to keep the few resources we get,” he said.
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