By Kuda Pembere
President Emmerson Mnangagwa says access to essential health services has continued to improve through the strengthening of public health institutions, expansion of primary healthcare services and improved availability of essential medicines.
Addressing Parliament at the official opening of the Fourth Session of the Tenth Parliament at the New Parliament Building in Harare on Tuesday, Mnangagwa said government was also strengthening digital health through the expansion of ICT connectivity to health facilities.
“Access to essential health services has continued to improve through capacitation of public health institutions and expansion of primary healthcare services, including availability of essential medicines,” he said.
“Digital health is being strengthened through the rollout of ICT connectivity to health facilities across the country.”
The President also announced a legislative programme covering healthcare delivery, reproductive health, medicines regulation, medical research, food safety and mental health.
“The National Healthcare Provision Bill, which seeks to strengthen healthcare delivery and promote equitable access will be tabled in Parliament,” Mnangagwa said.
“The Zimbabwe National Family Planning Council Bill will review the current Act to strengthen governance around reproductive health issues, in line with prevailing population and development priorities.”
The Medicines and Allied Substances Control Bill will seek to strengthen regulation of medicines and medical products while also addressing pharmaceutical sector development and patient safety.
“The Medicines and Allied Substances Control Bill will focus on regulating medicines, medical products and allied substances as well as pharmaceutical sector development and patient safety,” Mnangagwa said.
“Other Bills that will be submitted for deliberation are the Medical Research Bill; the Food and Food Safety Bill; and the Mental Health Bill.”
The Red Cross Society Amendment Bill will also be considered during the Fourth Session.
Mnangagwa also said government was moving to strengthen its response to drug and substance abuse, with the National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill awaiting formal introduction in Parliament.
“The National Drug and Substance Abuse Control and Enforcement Agency Bill awaits formal introduction in Parliament,” he said.
“These are intended to tackle the undesirable scourge threatening our nation through appropriate prevention, control, enforcement and coordination.”
The President said the health-sector legislative programme was part of broader government reforms aimed at improving public service delivery and responding to emerging national priorities.
