Poor infrastructure, chronic underfunding, and corruption in Zimbabwe’s health sector have been identified as major factors contributing to the widespread lack of access to healthcare.
This is according to the latest monthly monitoring report by the Zimbabwe Peace Project (ZPP), which highlights a deepening crisis in the country’s public health system, one that disproportionately affects rural and low-income communities.
“The right to healthcare in Zimbabwe, enshrined in Section 76 of the Constitution, remains largely unfulfilled due to chronic underfunding, poor infrastructure, and corruption in the public health sector,” the report stated.
“Many citizens, particularly in rural and low-income areas, are unable to access basic medical services, life-saving medication, or maternal care. Hospitals frequently face drug shortages, while patients are either turned away or forced to pay unaffordable private fees for essential treatment.”
The report underscores the systemic collapse of the public health sector and its severe impact on vulnerable populations.
“In Makoni Central, patients at the rural hospital were turned away or referred to Rusape District Hospital, where services were reportedly even worse—forcing patients to buy expensive medication from private pharmacies. At Tomo Clinic in Nyanga South, patients were instructed to purchase medication directly from staff, who allegedly run private and unregulated drug sales,” it noted.
“In Bikita South, a woman admitted to Mashoko Hospital received no treatment despite paying a $5 daily admission fee and was forced to send family members over 60 kilometres to Chiredzi to buy medication.”
The report further highlighted the troubling trend of health services becoming increasingly inaccessible to the most vulnerable, with state facilities failing to provide even basic care.
“In Gokwe, expectant mothers are coerced into paying $50 in unreceipted fees for maternal surgical procedures,” it added.
Support CITE’s fearless, independent journalism. Your donation helps us amplify community voices, fight misinformation, and hold power to account. Help keep the truth alive. Donate today