Harare, (New Ziana) -The Zimbabwe government has described the growing negative commentary on the public healthcare system in the country on social media as part of a “well-orchestrated” effort to unfairly discredit the ongoing progress in the sector.
In a statement on Monday, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said the attacks appear to be a deliberate attempt to focus only on the challenges that public hospitals face, while ignoring the critical services still being delivered and the improvements made in recent years, often under difficult conditions.
The response comes amid heightened public scrutiny over service delivery in the country’s hospitals, with some citizens posting photos and personal testimonies of poor conditions, long waiting times, and drug shortages.
A Cabinet Minister, Tinomudaishe Machakaire of Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training, surprised many on Monday when he joined in the criticism, taking to his Facebook page to plead with President Emmerson Mnangagwa to personally visit the public health institutions and see for himself the “sorry” state that they are in.
This was after he had been to one of the public health institutions to visit a relative who was admitted there.
Machakaire has however not confirmed the authenticity of the Facebook page, as it is common in Zimbabwe for some criminal elements to create fake accounts for certain influential figures.
Dismissing the criticism as unwarranted and mischievous, the MoHCC said the claims distort the reality on the ground.
“While we recognise and respect the public’s right to express concerns—and we welcome constructive engagement from all citizens and leaders—it is vital that such discourse remains fair, balanced, and based on verified facts,” it said.
“The Ministry is open to meaningful dialogue and informed critique; however, we strongly reject narratives that unfairly undermine the tireless efforts of our healthcare professionals and ignore the notable achievements underway across the country.”
It noted that under the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa, the health sector in Zimbabwe has seen major infrastructure upgrades at provincial and district hospitals, improved availability of medical equipment and essential supplies, and expanded training programs for healthcare workers.
The Ministry also highlighted milestones such as enhanced maternal and child health outcomes, landmark open-heart surgeries at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, and telemedicine advancements showcased during the 45th Independence Day celebrations in Gokwe North.
It further noted enhanced maternal and child health outcomes, especially in rural areas, thanks to targeted delivery campaigns and increased support for health facilities.
“These efforts continue to strengthen healthcare delivery, particularly at the grassroots and community levels,” it said.
The Ministry took the opportunity to call for collaboration among stakeholders including civil society, private sector players, and development partners in addressing ongoing challenges.
It called for “collaboration, not confrontation” as the way forward to ensure sustainable improvements in the country’s healthcare sector, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to building a resilient, equitable, and responsive healthcare system for all Zimbabweans.
New Ziana
