Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-Shortage of skilled workers remains a critical barrier to achieving the high standards of healthcare that every Zimbabwean deserves, an expert said on Friday.
Private Healthcare Association of Zimbabwe (PHAZ) chairperson Letitia Gaga said this during the association`s 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference held in the second largest city.
The conference, which was held under the theme “Collaborating for Best Health Care Outcomes,” brought together experts and consultants in the medical field to interact and exchange ideas on ways to collaborate and improve health care systems in the country.
Gaga also commended healthcare professionals in the country for their resilience and dedication in the face of the challenges they encounter in their workplaces. “As we reflect on the current state of our health care system, it is essential to acknowledge the resilience and commitment of our health care professionals. Despite the challenges we face, they continue to offer compassionate and quality care to our communities,” she said.
“However, we must confront the reality of a labour force that is stretched thin. The shortage of skilled health care workers remains a critical barrier to achieving the high standards of healthcare that every Zimbabwean deserves,” she added.
Gaga acknowledged that while the sector has made commendable strides in infrastructure development, the country still has a long way to go as many facilities remain in dire need of renovation and modernisation.
“Many of our facilities are in dire need of renovation and modernization. Access to essential services, such as diagnostic tools and emergency care, remains inconsistent across the country,” she said.
She said there is need to prioritise investment in health care to ensure that all citizens have access to timely and effective care. Gaga also advocated for policies that support the development of health care infrastructure and create enabling environment for public private partnership.
She also highlighted the pressing issue of medicine and medical equipment procurement, noting that local manufacturers face operational challenges that hinder their ability to meet demand, resulting in shortages that ultimately compromise patient care.
“We need to explore innovative solutions to enhance our procurement processes. This may involve strengthening partnerships with local manufacturers, establishing better supply chain management practices, and advocating for government support to simplify the procurement process,” she explained.
Gaga said the financial challenges also continue to plague the sector, adding that delay in payments by service providers have created a ripple effect that impacts the entire health care ecosystem.
“Many private facilities are struggling because of cash flow issues, which hampers our ability to invest in new technologies, recruit additional staff, and maintain quality standards. ”
This situation not only threatens the sustainability of our health care businesses but also compromises the quality of care we are able to deliver to our patients.
New Ziana
