MPs raise alarm over deteriorating health services in Binga

Members of the Parliament of Zimbabwe have raised fresh concern over the state of healthcare services in Binga District, citing delays in upgrading critical infrastructure and persistent service delivery gaps.

Binga South legislator Fanuel Cumanzala formally questioned the Ministry of Health and Child Care on whether there are concrete plans to rehabilitate Binga District Hospital to accommodate a nursing school, as previously announced by government.

Cumanzala also highlighted long-standing operational challenges at the district's mortuary, which he said has remained non-functional for an extended period.

"Whether there are any concrete plans to permanently resolve the challenges faced by Binga District, particularly regarding the mortuary, which has not been fully operational for a long time," he asked.

In a series of follow-up questions, the legislator broadened the scope of concern to include overall healthcare delivery in the largely rural district.

He pressed authorities to outline measures being taken to improve access to healthcare services in remote communities, as well as strategies to combat the prevalence of malaria and waterborne diseases in the Zambezi Valley.

Cumanzala further questioned whether there are plans to upgrade and expand healthcare facilities in Binga in response to population growth and increasing economic activity in the area.

Despite the urgency of the issues raised, no response from the Ministry of Health and Child Care was recorded in the parliamentary proceedings.

The concerns come amid growing scrutiny over healthcare infrastructure in rural districts, where limited resources, staffing shortages, and inadequate facilities continue to hinder access to essential medical services.