Mpilo Hospital get equipment from sugar tax

Money raised through Zimbabwe's sugar tax has been channelled towards the procurement of critical hospital machinery and equipment for Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare and Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, Parliament has heard.

Responding to questions during a National Assembly Question and Answer session on Wednesday, Deputy Minister of Finance and Investment Promotion David Mnangagwa said Treasury had already disbursed funds collected under the sugar tax to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.

Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Timios Kwidini confirmed receipt of the funds, telling legislators that the equipment had been procured and is currently being installed at the two major referral hospitals.

Kwidini further revealed that one of the machines initially earmarked for Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has since been transferred to Masvingo General Hospital, while equipment intended for Mpilo Central Hospital has been moved to Gweru Provincial Hospital.

He said the ministry is now awaiting the release of additional sugar tax funds from Treasury to facilitate the acquisition of more machines for other health institutions.

The Acting Speaker of Parliament directed both the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the Ministry of Finance and Investment Promotion to prepare comprehensive ministerial statements outlining the total revenue collected from the sugar tax and providing a detailed account of how the funds have been utilised.

The statements are expected to be presented to the House to ensure transparency and accountability over the use of the earmarked health levy.