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Chamisa pledges to overhaul Zimbabwe's public healthcare system
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Opposition leader Nelson Chamisa has pledged to overhaul Zimbabwe's crumbling public healthcare system, describing it as a "leadership task" that demands urgent and visionary intervention to save lives and restore dignity.
Chamisa's remarks come in response to a candid plea last week by Cabinet minister Tinoda Machakaire, who called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to visit the country's public hospitals and witness first-hand the alarming state of the health sector. Machakaire acknowledged that public outcry over the deteriorating conditions was well-founded and deserved immediate action.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Chamisa promised to build a world-class healthcare system capable of serving not only Zimbabweans but also attracting medical tourism from abroad.
"Just imagine our hospitals being equipped with the latest technologies and modern equipment. Our hospitals are places of healing and revitalization. First-class health facilities and cutting-edge hospital infrastructure are a leadership task," Chamisa wrote.
He added: "The tone is set at the top. A country takes the shape of its leadership. Zimbabwe will be known for medical tourism. We will be renowned as a healing nation. Yes, a healthy nation and a healed people. It is possible. We will do it."
Chamisa's remarks strike at the heart of long-standing criticism directed at Zimbabwe's political elite, particularly top Zanu-PF officials, who are frequently accused of neglecting local hospitals while seeking advanced medical treatment abroad.
Public hospitals across Zimbabwe are plagued by chronic shortages of medicines, equipment, and personnel, with many facilities lacking even the most basic supplies. Health workers regularly go unpaid or underpaid, prompting brain drain and leaving patients to suffer under dire conditions.
Meanwhile, Zimbabweans who have sought better medical care in neighbouring South Africa face growing hostility, with South African healthcare workers and citizens accusing them of overburdening an already strained system.
Chamisa's promise to revamp the health sector adds to his broader vision of national renewal and reform. However, with political space still tightly controlled and opposition activity often stifled, it remains to be seen how such pledges will translate into actionable policies or political change.
Chamisa's remarks come in response to a candid plea last week by Cabinet minister Tinoda Machakaire, who called on President Emmerson Mnangagwa to visit the country's public hospitals and witness first-hand the alarming state of the health sector. Machakaire acknowledged that public outcry over the deteriorating conditions was well-founded and deserved immediate action.
Taking to social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Chamisa promised to build a world-class healthcare system capable of serving not only Zimbabweans but also attracting medical tourism from abroad.
"Just imagine our hospitals being equipped with the latest technologies and modern equipment. Our hospitals are places of healing and revitalization. First-class health facilities and cutting-edge hospital infrastructure are a leadership task," Chamisa wrote.
He added: "The tone is set at the top. A country takes the shape of its leadership. Zimbabwe will be known for medical tourism. We will be renowned as a healing nation. Yes, a healthy nation and a healed people. It is possible. We will do it."
Chamisa's remarks strike at the heart of long-standing criticism directed at Zimbabwe's political elite, particularly top Zanu-PF officials, who are frequently accused of neglecting local hospitals while seeking advanced medical treatment abroad.
Public hospitals across Zimbabwe are plagued by chronic shortages of medicines, equipment, and personnel, with many facilities lacking even the most basic supplies. Health workers regularly go unpaid or underpaid, prompting brain drain and leaving patients to suffer under dire conditions.
Meanwhile, Zimbabweans who have sought better medical care in neighbouring South Africa face growing hostility, with South African healthcare workers and citizens accusing them of overburdening an already strained system.
Chamisa's promise to revamp the health sector adds to his broader vision of national renewal and reform. However, with political space still tightly controlled and opposition activity often stifled, it remains to be seen how such pledges will translate into actionable policies or political change.
Source - NewZimbabwe
