Zimbabwe nurses to pay less for Certificate of Good Standing

The Zimbabwean Government has approved a reduction in the cost of obtaining a Certificate of Good Standing for nurses, lowering the fee from US$300 to a new amount yet to be gazetted.

Information Minister Soda Zhemu announced the decision during a post-Cabinet media briefing, describing it as part of broader reforms aimed at easing the cost burden of regulatory fees in the health sector.

"Following comprehensive proposals presented by Honourable Felix Mhona, as Acting Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, Cabinet approved the streamlining of duplicated and overlapping regulatory licences and permits, removal of unnecessary levies and fees, and the reduction of unjustifiably high charges in the health sector," said Zhemu.

He said the reduction of the Certificate of Good Standing fee is one of the key highlights of the reforms.

The fee had previously been increased in 2022 from US$150 to US$300, a move that drew criticism from nursing professionals, particularly those seeking employment opportunities abroad.

The Nurses Council of Zimbabwe, which is responsible for issuing the certificates and confirmation letters, requires the documents as proof that a nurse has completed formal training and is in good professional standing.

These certificates - often referred to as verifications - are essential for nurses applying for jobs outside Zimbabwe.

Zhemu added that the reforms extend beyond nursing certification fees, with government also reviewing charges related to changes in registration details for health institutions, clinical trials for locally funded medicines, hospital tier approvals, certificates of status, and registration of new premises.

He said the revised fee structure will undergo further refinement, with a comprehensive schedule expected to be gazetted in due course.