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Zimbabwe’s healthcare system is under immense pressure as the government continues to fall short of meeting the Abuja Declaration’s 15% national budget allocation for health. With only 11% allocated in the 2023 budget, critical gaps in infrastructure, staffing, and emergency response are threatening the well-being of millions.
The Passengers Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) has issued a press statement urging the government to urgently prioritize healthcare funding. National Co-ordinator Tafadzwa Goliati warned that the consequences of underfunding are dire and far-reaching.
“Underfunding is crippling our healthcare system,” Goliati said. “It leads to poor patient care, increased mortality, and an overburdened health workforce. We must act now to meet the 15% target and safeguard the lives of citizens.”
By Ruvarashe Gora
He outlined several key challenges: collapsing infrastructure, limited domestic health resources, rising out-of-pocket expenses for patients, and heavy reliance on external donor support. He emphasized that the country can no longer depend on international aid to prop up basic healthcare services.
PAZ is calling for the government to develop and implement both National Health Development Plans and National Health Financing Plans to guide internal resource mobilization. Goliati also suggested introducing national health insurance schemes to ease the burden on patients and stabilize funding.
Beyond increasing the allocation, PAZ stressed the need for transparency and accountability in how health funds are spent. According to the organization, sustainable change can only happen if health financing is managed effectively, with clear plans and oversight.
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