Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-The Private sector plays a vital role in direct service delivery as well as in innovation, investment, and workforce development, a Cabinet Minister said on Friday.
Health and Child Welfare Minister Douglas Mombeshora said this while officiating at the Private Healthcare Association of Zimbabwe (PHAZ) Annual General Meeting (AGM) and annual conference in the second largest city.
The Private Healthcare Association of Zimbabwe (PHAZ) is a membership-based organization representing healthcare providers in the private sector whose aim is to promote the interests of its members and contribute to the development of a sustainable and efficient private healthcare sector in the country.
The conference was held under the theme “Collaborating for best Healthcare Outcomes” and brought together experts in the medical sector to share and exchange notes and ideas.
“Achieving quality healthcare that is accessible and sustainable requires meaningful partnerships across all sectors,” he said.
Mombeshora highlighted the importance of leveraging synergies between public and private sectors to advance shared goals of improving healthcare for all citizens, pointing to the mass exodus of skilled healthcare workers as one of the most critical challenges impacting the sector.
“The loss of experienced nurses, doctors and allied professionals continue to strain both public and private institutions. Addressing this challenge, we require joint solutions, including competitive remuneration, strengthened training systems, and improvements on working conditions,” he said.
He reiterated government commitment to collaborating with all partners to retain and expand the country’s health workforce.
Mombeshora also addressed the issue of medical tariffs and delayed reimbursements, noting that claims taking longer than 60 days to process place significant strain on operations, particularly in a volatile economic environment.
“We encourage transparent engagement between medical aid societies, regulators, and service providers to develop practical tariff frameworks that reflect economic realities while ensuring service continuity,” he said.
He said his Ministry supports reducing the reimbursement window to a maximum of 14 days, adding that they remain committed to eliminating unjustified co-payments and shortfalls, which place an unnecessary burden on patients.
Mombeshora noted that the health sector forms the foundation of national development, reaffirming government commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring all citizens have timely access to essential healthcare services.
“Health transcends being merely a sector—it is the bedrock of national development. A healthy population drives productivity, fosters social cohesion, and accelerates economic progress.
New Ziana
