National

Zimbabwe’s healthcare system in crisis: CWGH calls for action

Published

7 months ago

October 17, 2024

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) has raised alarm over the deteriorating healthcare system in the country, citing a depleted and demotivated healthcare workforce, inadequate infrastructure, and shortages of essential drugs and medical supplies.

According to the CWGH report, the healthcare system is facing a multitude of challenges that are compromising the quality of healthcare services.

The report notes that the country’s healthcare workforce is severely depleted, with a brain drain of skilled healthcare professionals leaving the country in search of better opportunities.

“The parlous human resource situation reflects a number of factors that include: inadequate number, mix and distribution resulting from inadequate output from training institutions and the outward migration of health workers to other countries,” the report read.

“In particular, the outmigration of health workers has been driven by heavy workloads, inadequate compensation exacerbated by the high inflation, limited career development prospects, and challenging working conditions. The outmigration of health workers has led to longer waiting times, reduced patient care time, and compromisedhealth outcomes.

“District level health facilities have been the worst affected by the outmigration of health workers. Specialists who migrate take with them valuable expertise, experience, and knowledge. This loss has impacted on the quality of health services, particularly in specialized areas where their skills are in high demand.”

The CWGH report also highlights the inadequate infrastructure and ill-equipped public healthcare facilities, making it difficult for healthcare workers to provide quality care.

The shortage of essential drugs and medical supplies has also become a major concern, with many patients unable to access the treatment they need.

Furthermore, the report notes the rising incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and injuries from accidents, which is putting a strain on the already overwhelmed healthcare system.

To address these challenges, the CWGH recommends that the government increase public spending on healthcare to at least 15% of the total budget, address the human resources situation, strengthen manufacturing capacity to improve access to quality-assured essential medicines, and improve access to sexual and reproductive health services, especially for adolescents.

The CWGH also calls for increased investment in addressing mental health issues and combating the scourge of NCDs through prevention programs and early diagnosis and management.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

3 weeks ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

2 months ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

3 months ago

February 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.