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Doctors demand transparency from Mthuli Ncube on sugar tax revenue
8 hrs ago | Views
The Zimbabwe Association of Doctors for Human Rights (ZADHR) has called on Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube to provide detailed accounts of the government's sugar tax revenue and its utilization.
In a letter dated November 21, 2024, ZADHR, through their legal representatives at Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), pressed for disclosure of the total funds collected since the sugar tax's introduction under Statutory Instrument 16/24, gazetted on February 9, 2024.
The doctors' association is also demanding clarity on how the funds have been allocated, including specifics on medical purchases and the hospitals that have benefited.
"ZADHR also wants the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to furnish it with an account of what cancer drugs and equipment have been procured since the introduction of the sugar tax and the list of hospitals to which these have been distributed," read a statement from ZLHR.
The doctors' appeal is grounded in section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
The sugar tax was introduced as part of government efforts to curb excessive sugar consumption, which has been linked to cancer and other health conditions. Minister Ncube had earlier justified the levy, pledging that its proceeds would be used to improve cancer treatment, including the acquisition of medical equipment.
ZADHR's inquiry raises questions about whether the tax revenue has been effectively directed toward its stated purpose. Transparency in public health funding remains a pressing issue, particularly amid concerns over resource allocation in Zimbabwe's struggling healthcare system.
The government is yet to respond to the ZADHR's letter, and the outcome could shed light on whether the sugar tax is making a tangible impact on cancer treatment and prevention as promised.
In a letter dated November 21, 2024, ZADHR, through their legal representatives at Zimbabwe Lawyers for Human Rights (ZLHR), pressed for disclosure of the total funds collected since the sugar tax's introduction under Statutory Instrument 16/24, gazetted on February 9, 2024.
The doctors' association is also demanding clarity on how the funds have been allocated, including specifics on medical purchases and the hospitals that have benefited.
"ZADHR also wants the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion to furnish it with an account of what cancer drugs and equipment have been procured since the introduction of the sugar tax and the list of hospitals to which these have been distributed," read a statement from ZLHR.
The doctors' appeal is grounded in section 7 of the Freedom of Information Act, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
The sugar tax was introduced as part of government efforts to curb excessive sugar consumption, which has been linked to cancer and other health conditions. Minister Ncube had earlier justified the levy, pledging that its proceeds would be used to improve cancer treatment, including the acquisition of medical equipment.
ZADHR's inquiry raises questions about whether the tax revenue has been effectively directed toward its stated purpose. Transparency in public health funding remains a pressing issue, particularly amid concerns over resource allocation in Zimbabwe's struggling healthcare system.
The government is yet to respond to the ZADHR's letter, and the outcome could shed light on whether the sugar tax is making a tangible impact on cancer treatment and prevention as promised.
Source - NewZimbabwe
