A STRONG health system is a prerequisite for sound economic development.
It is undeniable that health and development are symbiotic in nature.
The World Health Organisation put forward six building blocks that constitute the health system and failure of one pillar results in a shambolic and a shaky structure.
Many Zimbabweans are losing confidence in the public health system which has been characterised by poorer service delivery because of drug shortages, a demotivated workforce, obsolete equipment, maladministration, corruption to mention just a few.
The problems seem to be perennial and it now requires diligent and dedicated leadership if solutions are to be found.
Health financing has remained topical in the country with the sector getting far less than its expectation.
In 2022, budgetary allocation to the Health ministry was around 10,6%, while in 2023, it stood at 11,2%, and this year, it constituted only 10,8% of the national fiscus.
These figures are not convincing considering the Abuja Declaration that for African countries to make health milestones, at least 15% of their national budgets should be allocated to the health sector.
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If capital budgeting is considered, then Treasury should be serious about the health sector.
Arguments may arise that the sector accesses in excess of US$200 million yearly through the donor community, but sustainability of any programme cannot depend on donor support.
Donors can withdraw anytime if they feel uncomfortable.
There are a myriad of challenges in the health sector, chief among them being the incessant brain drain which is threatening our health system.
Health workforce is a powerful building block of a health system.
Media sources claim that at least 6 500 health workers have emigrated to greener pastures.
This is disturbing news and it will an insurmountable task for the incoming health leadership to contain the exodus.
Hospitals are now seen as death hubs with no drugs, personnel, tools of trade.
The country requires in excess of US$16 million per month for drugs only and more millions to cater for the available 57 000 workers.
The same workers are demotivated, morale is at its lowest and government should move with speed to curb the brain drain.
The country is a training ground for workers, only to lose them to developed countries which poach from our nests after having gobbled millions of dollars of the taxpayer’s money.
Questions still linger as to why there is no permanent solution to the crisis in the health sector.
Many ministers have come and gone, many directors are in office, new chief executive officers have come, alas, no notable change in health delivery was witnessed.
The biggest asset of any organisation is the human resources and failure to pay attention to the health of the workforce is tantamount to unintended destruction of the health sector.
Government has capacity to motivate its workers but implementation is the elephant in the room.
Salaries should be comparable to others in the southern Africa region and no one would leave our country to work in Namibia, Botswana, South Africa or any other country.
It calls for seriousness on the part of government in incentivising its workers with vehicle loans, residential stands, farming land, duty-free facilities.
There has been a chorus for such incemtives but for years responsible ministers have only paid lip service.
The Finance ministry should be at the forefront of ensuring the health of the nation as the country continues to suffer from high morbidity and mortality rates.
We continue to suffer from outbreaks of embarrassing diseases like cholera, a simple Stone Age disease that should not find space in the 21st century.
Strengthening our water infrastructure remains critical to observance of good sanitation if the diarrhoeal disease is to be contained.
It is time the Finance ministry takes a serious look at the health ministry if we are have a sound health system.
Vision 2030 should be made easier by funding the health sector which is possible if government expenditure is reduced.
Universal health coverage for all sooner rather than later!
- Johannes Marisa is a medical practitioner who is the current president of the Medical and Dental Private Practitioners Association of Zimbabwe.
