HEALTH sector stakeholders struck a cautiously optimistic tone this week, saying they hoped a structured currency introduced by the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) will improve the availability of critical requirements.
In an interview with the Zimbabwe Independent, Enock Dongo, president of the Zimbabwe Nurses Association said working conditions may improve if the new currency was to lead to price stability.
“The announcement of a new currency sparked optimism among health workers, as the situation was no longer favourable,” Dongo said.
“Health workers are eagerly anticipating Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG)'s potential to enhance the country's health delivery system, as it is backed by gold and other minerals,” he said.
Itai Rusike, executive director at Community Working Group on Health, said: “The health sector is responding cautiously with hope for stability in the macro economy, crucial for its growth and prosperity. People are cautiously optimistic about implementing monetary measures, fiscal and institutional measures, and ensuring stability to ensure the health sector's growth and prosperity”.
“Taming chronic high inflation can bring stability to the health sector and other economic sectors. Health care is not an ordinary good, and unexpected illness can lead to providers charging in foreign currency, creating unnecessary barriers to access.
“Addressing this issue is crucial for ensuring the well-being of the population,” he added.
In an interview before his untimely death on Independence Day, Mberengwa East MP Hamadziripi Dube, who was also a medical doctor, said the newly introduced structured currency would enhance the availability of goods and services in the industry.
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Dube died in a car accident after this interview.
This month, Zimbabwe redenominated Zimbabwe dollar (ZWL) balances to ZiG, which is backed by gold reserves.
ZiG notes will start circulating on April 30, but many banks have already reconfigured to enable electronic transactions.
“Turbulence of the old currency was causing uncertainty in business and unbearable fluctuations in prices of basic commodities,” Dube said. May his soul rest in peace!
