INFRASTRUCTURE and development are the cornerstones of any country. A closer look at Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, particularly in government hospitals, reveals a dire situation.
Little has been done to renovate, refurbish, or build additional government healthcare institutions in recent years. Consequently, nationals flood government hospitals, where adequate care is often unavailable; patients are forced to sleep under leaking roofs, and minimal maintenance is performed.
What does the future hold for healthcare and services for the ordinary Zimbabwean in 2025? In recent years, Zimbabwe has experienced an exodus of skilled healthcare professionals, driven away by the desire to provide better opportunities for their families.
Unfortunately, not much has been done to address the outcry of workers regarding pay increments and job sustainability. This persistent neglect poses a significant threat to the already crumbling healthcare system.
Meanwhile, the private healthcare sector has been growing, despite constraints in the government sector.
New clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies are opening, including specialised facilities such as obstetrics and gynaecology clinics, urology centres, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) practices. While this level of specificity is commendable and developmental, bringing excellent outcomes and making treatment easier, it comes with a significant downside: only a select few can afford these services.
The contrast between the government hospitals and private facilities is stark, highlighting a devastating picture of inequity. Furthermore, the pharmaceutical industry is experiencing growth, albeit with challenges.
An influx of uncertified drugs is flooding the market, while local production remains low. This creates a dangerous situation where illegal drug cartels are thriving.
The rise of unregulated markets, often operating within households, stocked with opioids and analgesics, is alarming. Dependency on these substances is rising, particularly among young people, leading to liver damage and a burgeoning mental health crisis. Male wards in mental health institutions are predominantly filled with individuals battling drug abuse.
The proliferation of socalled “green medicine” and dubious full-body scan services exacerbates the problem. These services often promise to cure almost every ailment but pose a significant risk to public health. Individuals are being duped into spending their hard-earned money while risking organ failure and overexposure to radiation.
This calls for urgent action from the ministry of Health and Child Care to shut down these operations and provide proper health education to the public. Infrastructure is another glaring issue. The lack of investment in renovating and maintaining government healthcare facilities leaves patients in dire conditions.
This neglect, combined with inadequate staffing, poor drug availability, and uncompetitive salaries for health workers, paints a bleak picture of what lies ahead for 2025. It is imperative that the government and stakeholders prioritise healthcare reform.
Addressing the issues of infrastructure, drug regulation, and healthcare worker retention is essential for ensuring equitable access to quality health services for all Zimbabweans.
Without immediate action, the future of healthcare for the ordinary citizen looks increasingly grim. By Geraldine Chambati
Geraldine Chambati is a Harare-based health issues writer.