By Staff Reporter
A total of 60% of Zimbabweans seem to have no faith in their health care facilities instead seeking the services of traditional healers for medical assistance.
The stats come on the back of rising hardships and inability to afford health care by the majority of citizens who are earning salaries which are way below the Poverty Datum Line.
Speaking at a recent event in Rusape , Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora confirmed the latest stats.
“I know 60% of people, who are gathered here, are seeking the services of n’angas to get medical assistance,” he said.
“I know that I am not saying n’angas are not good, but there is a time you need to go to a hospital.”
Mombeshora’s remarks come at a time when there are reports of deteriorating conditions in public hospitals, with patients dying without receiving treatment.
Treasury has over the years failed to set aside 15% of the national budget for the health sector, in line with the Abuja Declaration on Health, signed by African Union (AU) member States in 2001.
The declaration is a commitment to allocate at least 15% of each country’s annual national budget to the health sector to improve healthcare systems and achieve universal health coverage.
The minister said the government was working on the National Health Insurance Scheme Bill, which would see Zimbabweans receiving free treatment.
“The Bill is at final stages and we anticipate presenting it to Parliament this month and with the full implementation expected in 2026,” he said.
“Every Zimbabwean will be getting free medication, X-rays at every public hospital.”
Mombeshora said the government would increase domestic funding for health, improve access to essential medicines, construct and upgrade health facilities.
He said Zimbabwe was no longer classified as a high burden country for tuberculosis, adding that the country had recorded a decline in malaria cases despite occasional outbreaks.
