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Skilled worker shortage hinders Zimbabwe healthcare standards
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A critical shortage of skilled health professionals continues to impede Zimbabwe's efforts to deliver high-quality healthcare services, the Private Healthcare Association of Zimbabwe (PHAZ) has warned.
Speaking during the association's 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference in Bulawayo on Friday, PHAZ chairperson Letitia Gaga said that while healthcare workers remained steadfast and committed to serving communities, persistent workforce gaps posed a major threat to the country's health system.
The conference, held under the theme "Collaborating for Best Health Care Outcomes," brought together medical experts, consultants, and stakeholders to discuss practical strategies to strengthen Zimbabwe's healthcare delivery through collaboration and innovation.
"As we reflect on the current state of our healthcare 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," said Gaga.
However, she cautioned that the ongoing shortage of skilled healthcare workers remains a significant barrier to delivering care that meets the expectations and needs of the population.
Gaga noted that while some progress has been made in developing infrastructure across both public and private health facilities, many institutions still operate in outdated or dilapidated conditions, limiting access to vital services such as diagnostics and emergency response.
"There's no doubt that infrastructure development is taking place, but many facilities still need urgent renovation and modernisation. Equally, access to essential services remains inconsistent in some areas," she said.
The PHAZ chairperson called for increased investment in healthcare, urging authorities to implement policies that support infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, and improved human resource capacity.
Gaga also addressed the challenges surrounding the procurement of medicines and medical equipment. She said that local manufacturers often face operational difficulties, leading to stockouts and shortages that directly affect patient care and safety.
"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.
Another key concern raised was the financial strain faced by private healthcare institutions due to delays in payments from insurers and government departments. Gaga said these delays were creating cash flow constraints that limited investment in advanced technology, sufficient staffing, and maintaining service quality.
"This situation not only threatens the sustainability of our healthcare businesses but also compromises the quality of care we are able to deliver to our patients," she said.
The PHAZ conference concluded with a renewed call for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, enhanced investment in health workforce development, and practical reforms aimed at improving access, affordability, and the overall quality of care in Zimbabwe's healthcare system.
Speaking during the association's 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference in Bulawayo on Friday, PHAZ chairperson Letitia Gaga said that while healthcare workers remained steadfast and committed to serving communities, persistent workforce gaps posed a major threat to the country's health system.
The conference, held under the theme "Collaborating for Best Health Care Outcomes," brought together medical experts, consultants, and stakeholders to discuss practical strategies to strengthen Zimbabwe's healthcare delivery through collaboration and innovation.
"As we reflect on the current state of our healthcare 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," said Gaga.
However, she cautioned that the ongoing shortage of skilled healthcare workers remains a significant barrier to delivering care that meets the expectations and needs of the population.
Gaga noted that while some progress has been made in developing infrastructure across both public and private health facilities, many institutions still operate in outdated or dilapidated conditions, limiting access to vital services such as diagnostics and emergency response.
"There's no doubt that infrastructure development is taking place, but many facilities still need urgent renovation and modernisation. Equally, access to essential services remains inconsistent in some areas," she said.
The PHAZ chairperson called for increased investment in healthcare, urging authorities to implement policies that support infrastructure development, public-private partnerships, and improved human resource capacity.
Gaga also addressed the challenges surrounding the procurement of medicines and medical equipment. She said that local manufacturers often face operational difficulties, leading to stockouts and shortages that directly affect patient care and safety.
"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.
Another key concern raised was the financial strain faced by private healthcare institutions due to delays in payments from insurers and government departments. Gaga said these delays were creating cash flow constraints that limited investment in advanced technology, sufficient staffing, and maintaining service quality.
"This situation not only threatens the sustainability of our healthcare businesses but also compromises the quality of care we are able to deliver to our patients," she said.
The PHAZ conference concluded with a renewed call for stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, enhanced investment in health workforce development, and practical reforms aimed at improving access, affordability, and the overall quality of care in Zimbabwe's healthcare system.
Source - New Ziana
