Health Commission implements job evaluation outcomes

In a major move to improve equity, motivation, and service delivery in Zimbabwe's health sector, the Health Service Commission (HSC) has announced that it will begin implementing the results of its comprehensive job evaluation for all public health workers from July 1, 2025.

The announcement was made by HSC chairperson Dr Vincent Hungwe during the launch of the Commission's provincial institutional visits and stakeholder engagements at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital in Manicaland on Tuesday.

Dr Hungwe said the ongoing job evaluation process, nearing completion, is a key step in the Commission's broader vision of building a world-class health service that is efficient, accessible, and responsive to national health needs.

"We are nearing completion of a rigorous and scientific job evaluation exercise for every health professional and support worker in the public health system," said Dr Hungwe. "What we aim to achieve is a fair, transparent, and equitable grading system that reflects the true scope and demands of each job."

He emphasized that the job evaluation is not only about regrading roles and aligning remuneration, but about recognising the value of every health worker's contribution and creating a motivated, tech-savvy, and resilient workforce.

The changes, including salary and working condition adjustments based on clearly defined roles, will take effect at the beginning of the next fiscal quarter, with treasury already making the necessary budgetary allocations to support the transition.

"This is a transformative process. We are implementing a structured framework to build a resilient and effective health system that meets the growing demands of our people," said Dr Hungwe.

The HSC's stakeholder engagement visits are part of an inclusive approach aimed at listening to health workers' concerns and ensuring that every province and health institution is actively involved in shaping the reform.

"Every province matters, and every voice counts," Dr Hungwe said. "Our goal is to create a system that is not only competent but also compassionate."

The job evaluation initiative has been welcomed by health professionals in Manicaland.

Manicaland Provincial Medical Director, Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga, described the process as timely and essential for achieving Vision 2030 targets. He praised the HSC's clarity and commitment to implementing the evaluation results, noting that many concerns raised about the timing and funding had been adequately addressed.

"We appreciate the HSC's clarity on its roadmap. The chairperson assured us that the job evaluation process will conclude by the end of June, with implementation commencing in July," said Dr Mukuzunga.

Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital Acting Medical Superintendent, Dr Hillary Makiwa, also commended the initiative, describing it as a much-needed response to the changing demands of the health sector.

"Regrading and evaluation of job posts is essential for keeping pace with the momentum in the sector. It enables us to adapt, grow, and improve functionality," said Dr Makiwa.

Senior nursing officer Sister Sheila Chimbetete expressed optimism about the upcoming changes, saying they would boost morale and professional satisfaction.

"We are excited about the implications of this development. Once job regrading begins, we anticipate improved working conditions, enhanced morale, and a greater sense of professional value," she said.

The HSC, which replaced the former Health Services Board after the enactment of the Health Services Act in 2022, is tasked with overseeing human resource management and development within the public health sector. Since its inception, the Commission has been spearheading reforms to modernise Zimbabwe's healthcare workforce and align its systems with international best practices and the country's long-term development goals.