News / National
Zimbabwe expands access to advanced surgeries
01 Jun 2025 at 14:05hrs | Views
Zimbabwe's public health sector is making major strides in specialist healthcare provision, with the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals having successfully conducted 62 open-heart surgeries to date, while Chitungwiza Central and Gweru Provincial hospitals have begun offering total hip and knee replacements.
The developments mark a significant milestone in the country's drive to expand access to high-end medical services within the public healthcare system, reducing reliance on expensive private care and foreign medical trips.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, told The Sunday Mail that the expansion of specialist services is a key pillar of the Government's health reform strategy.
"Quaternary or specialist services have been expanded and brought closer to the people," he said.
"This has seen Chitungwiza and Gweru hospitals offering advanced surgeries such as total hip and knee replacement."
Previously available only at limited institutions or abroad, these joint replacement procedures - which help restore mobility and relieve chronic pain - are now within reach for more Zimbabweans.
Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has emerged as a leading centre for cardiac surgery since launching its open-heart surgery programme in June 2023. Dr Maunganidze confirmed that 62 patients have undergone these life-saving operations.
"Open-heart surgery is a critical indicator of Zimbabwe's healthcare capabilities," he said.
"The combination of different specialists and specialised equipment will propel the country into the future."
These complex procedures involve repairing or replacing heart valves, correcting congenital defects, and bypassing blocked arteries - all requiring expert teams and advanced facilities. The success of the programme has laid the groundwork for reducing medical tourism and transforming Zimbabwe into a regional hub for specialised healthcare.
Dr Maunganidze also highlighted extensive progress in the digitalisation of public health facilities. Over 1 300 of Zimbabwe's 2 000 health centres now use electronic data systems for patient records, logistics, and service management.
"Zimbabwe's digital health superhighway now covers over 65 percent of health facilities," he noted.
Laboratory and pharmacy services have also been automated, with 116 of the country's 127 public labs integrated into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), improving diagnostics and medication supply.
Additionally, digital learning platforms have been introduced to support continuous professional development for healthcare workers, mitigating challenges posed by staff attrition.
In a major boost for rural health services, more than 100 public health facilities now have access to high-speed internet and telemedicine capabilities through Starlink satellite connectivity. The Gokwe North pilot programme demonstrated both feasibility and high user satisfaction, paving the way for national rollout.
"All 29 sites in Gokwe North - including Kwekwe General, Gweru Provincial and Mpilo hospitals - now feature Starlink connectivity and telemedicine infrastructure," Dr Maunganidze said.
This allows patients in remote areas to access consultations with specialists and diagnostic services without needing to travel long distances.
Through the Solar for Health initiative, over 1 000 health centres have been equipped with solar systems to power essential services such as vaccine refrigeration and emergency care. More than 400 solar-powered boreholes have also been installed to provide reliable access to clean water for sanitation and infection control.
Dr Maunganidze assured the nation that supplies of essential medicines are stable. Stocks of antiretroviral (ARV), anti-tuberculosis (TB), and anti-malarial drugs are adequate through the end of 2025, with preparations underway for 2026.
"Treasury allocated a budget of US$44 million for medicines in 2025," he said.
"We have ongoing supply contracts with Intrapharma and Clean Planet, and we're implementing measures like sin taxes and ring-fenced health funding to ensure consistent supplies."
The expansion of advanced surgeries, digital innovation, and infrastructure upgrades signals a transformative period for Zimbabwe's public health system. Authorities say these efforts are geared towards achieving universal health coverage, improving service delivery, and boosting public confidence in the local health sector.
The developments mark a significant milestone in the country's drive to expand access to high-end medical services within the public healthcare system, reducing reliance on expensive private care and foreign medical trips.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Aspect Maunganidze, told The Sunday Mail that the expansion of specialist services is a key pillar of the Government's health reform strategy.
"Quaternary or specialist services have been expanded and brought closer to the people," he said.
"This has seen Chitungwiza and Gweru hospitals offering advanced surgeries such as total hip and knee replacement."
Previously available only at limited institutions or abroad, these joint replacement procedures - which help restore mobility and relieve chronic pain - are now within reach for more Zimbabweans.
Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has emerged as a leading centre for cardiac surgery since launching its open-heart surgery programme in June 2023. Dr Maunganidze confirmed that 62 patients have undergone these life-saving operations.
"Open-heart surgery is a critical indicator of Zimbabwe's healthcare capabilities," he said.
"The combination of different specialists and specialised equipment will propel the country into the future."
These complex procedures involve repairing or replacing heart valves, correcting congenital defects, and bypassing blocked arteries - all requiring expert teams and advanced facilities. The success of the programme has laid the groundwork for reducing medical tourism and transforming Zimbabwe into a regional hub for specialised healthcare.
Dr Maunganidze also highlighted extensive progress in the digitalisation of public health facilities. Over 1 300 of Zimbabwe's 2 000 health centres now use electronic data systems for patient records, logistics, and service management.
"Zimbabwe's digital health superhighway now covers over 65 percent of health facilities," he noted.
Laboratory and pharmacy services have also been automated, with 116 of the country's 127 public labs integrated into the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS), improving diagnostics and medication supply.
Additionally, digital learning platforms have been introduced to support continuous professional development for healthcare workers, mitigating challenges posed by staff attrition.
In a major boost for rural health services, more than 100 public health facilities now have access to high-speed internet and telemedicine capabilities through Starlink satellite connectivity. The Gokwe North pilot programme demonstrated both feasibility and high user satisfaction, paving the way for national rollout.
"All 29 sites in Gokwe North - including Kwekwe General, Gweru Provincial and Mpilo hospitals - now feature Starlink connectivity and telemedicine infrastructure," Dr Maunganidze said.
This allows patients in remote areas to access consultations with specialists and diagnostic services without needing to travel long distances.
Through the Solar for Health initiative, over 1 000 health centres have been equipped with solar systems to power essential services such as vaccine refrigeration and emergency care. More than 400 solar-powered boreholes have also been installed to provide reliable access to clean water for sanitation and infection control.
Dr Maunganidze assured the nation that supplies of essential medicines are stable. Stocks of antiretroviral (ARV), anti-tuberculosis (TB), and anti-malarial drugs are adequate through the end of 2025, with preparations underway for 2026.
"Treasury allocated a budget of US$44 million for medicines in 2025," he said.
"We have ongoing supply contracts with Intrapharma and Clean Planet, and we're implementing measures like sin taxes and ring-fenced health funding to ensure consistent supplies."
The expansion of advanced surgeries, digital innovation, and infrastructure upgrades signals a transformative period for Zimbabwe's public health system. Authorities say these efforts are geared towards achieving universal health coverage, improving service delivery, and boosting public confidence in the local health sector.
Source - Sunday Mail
