Zim Should Invest In Digital Infrastructure To Support Adoption Of Health Technologies

By Shingirai Vambe

BULAWAYO-There is need for the country to invest in digital infrastructure to support the adoption of health technologies, a health expert said.

Speaking at the just ended two-day Private Healthcare Association of Zimbabwe (PHAZ) 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference held in the second largest city of Bulawayo on Friday, the association chairperson Letitia Gaga said the investment of infrastructure will improve the healthcare delivery systems in Zimbabwe.

The conference was held under the theme “Collaborating for Best Healthcare Outcomes” underscoring the importance of partnerships and cooperation in improving healthcare delivery in the country.

The conference brought together experts and consultants in the medical field to interact and exchange ideas and how they can collaborate to improve the country` health care systems.

“We need to harness the power of technology to improve healthcare outcomes, but we also need to ensure that our digital infrastructure can support its adoption,” she said.

Gaga also implored network providers such as Telone, Netone and other players, to upgrade their infrastructure to ensure that rural communities are not left behind in the adoption of digital health technologies.

“We need to ensure that our network infrastructure is robust enough to support the adoption of digital health technologies, particularly in rural areas where access to healthcare is already limited,” she emphasized.

The expert also highlighted several pressing issues affecting the healthcare sector, including the shortage of skilled healthcare workers, inadequate infrastructure, and challenges in medicine procurement.

“The shortage of skilled healthcare workers remains a critical barrier to achieving the high standards of healthcare that every Zimbabwean deserves,” Gaga said.

She also noted that many healthcare facilities are in dire need of renovation and modernization, and that access to essential services like diagnostic tools and emergency care remains inconsistent across the country.

Speaking on the same occasion, guest speaker, Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors to advance shared goals of improving healthcare for all citizens.
He noted that the mass exodus of skilled healthcare workers is a critical challenge impacting the sector and reiterated the government’s commitment to collaborating with all partners to retain and expand the country’s health workforce.

Minister Mombeshora also addressed the issue of medical tariffs and delayed reimbursements, encouraging transparent engagement between medical aid societies, regulators, and service providers to develop practical tariff frameworks that reflect economic realities.

He supported the idea of reducing the reimbursement window to a maximum of 14 days and eliminating unjustified co-payments and shortfalls that place an unnecessary burden on patients.

“On the legislative front, I wish to update you on the Medical Aid Societies Bill. We have taken note of your submissions, especially those concerning separation of functions and the prevention of conflicts of interest.

“We are committed to ensure that the final law upholds transparency, fair regulation, and accountability in the financing of health services,” added Mombeshora.

The Bill has sparked controversy across the divide with the The Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ) citing that the Insurance and Pensions Commission (IPEC) Amendment Bill of 2024 will bring significant disruption which may be detrimental to the sustainability of the medical aid system in Zimbabwe.

Specialist Anesthetist and President of the Zimbabwe Anesthetic Association Dr. Musvo Mapfanyangira spoke on the need to train healthcare professionals to prioritise empathy and compassion in their practice.

“There is need to train health care professionals to prioritise empathy and compassion in their practice. We need to instilling a sense of care in healthcare workers, rather than solely focusing on financial gain,” she said.

Mupfanyangira believes that leadership is a crucial aspect of achieving growth, learning and legacy in the medical profession.
“Let’s embark on more trainings for our workers. At times we are forced to leave the bed at mid-night to attend to a patient, knowing that most of these current crops of nurses, lack passion and zeal to see service being rendered and appreciated after achieving a goal,” added Mapfanyangira.

She said by prioritizing empathy and compassion, healthcare workers can provide more holistic care to their patients, leading to better health outcomes and increased patient satisfaction and value for money.

The conference concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to work together to address the challenges facing the healthcare sector and develop strategies that enhance the workforce, improve infrastructure, and streamline procurement processes.

 

 

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