Story by Theophilus Chuma
HARARE-GOVERNMENT is strengthening measures to boost the availability of locally produced medicines through a Pharmaceutical Value Chain roadmap outlined in the Zimbabwe Industrial Reconstruction and Growth Plan (2024-2025).
The government is anticipating a significant progress in local medicine production capacity, aiming to cut the country’s import bill by at least US$100 million by the end of the year.
The measures, announced at a Post Cabinet Media Briefing in Harare this Tuesday, also include the establishment of a Pharmaceutical Revolving Fund to support the sector.
“To guarantee the continued growth of the Pharmaceutical Value Chain, the Government of Zimbabwe will continue to provide adequate funding to NATPHARM and commit to ensuring sustained uptake of locally produced drugs by public agencies as well as by the private sector. A Pharmaceutical Revolving Fund will be established to provide affordable financing for the industry.
“Furthermore, the VAT zero-rating on pharmaceutical products will be reinstated, and the reliance on drug imports will be reduced by establishing local drug testing capabilities. The Sugar Content Tax will also be prioritised to enhance financial support for the manufacturing of essential drugs,” the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere said.
The government has also announced that it has approved the Principles of the Road Accident Fund Bill.
“The Road Accident Fund Bill seeks to address the current post-accident management framework, with the existing insurance packages lacking provision for the immediate evacuation of accident survivors to medical facilities. Emergency services providers are reluctant to provide medical services in instances when payment for service is not guaranteed.
“The current liability cover is inadequate to cover medical and funeral expenses. It will place greater focus on enhanced responsiveness to post-crash emergencies in order to improve the ability of health and related systems to offer appropriate emergency treatment and longer-term rehabilitation for accident victims.
“It will also provide immediate recourse to medical and funeral expenses, and enhance the capacity of emergency services providers and medical institutions to effectively respond to road accidents to save lives. The Road Accident Fund will be funded from Motor Vehicle Insurance premiums and any other such funds appropriated by Treasury,” Dr Muswere said.
This development is a major milestone towards the much-awaited Road Accident Fund.
“It is long awaited and we are also excited so that it is going to alleviate and lessen the burden especially when it comes to accident costs,” Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development, Honourable Felix Mhona said.
The government also announced plans to revitalise Community Share Ownership Trusts.
“Community Share Ownership Trusts were established to ensure that local communities benefit from the extraction and exploitation of natural resources within their areas. In accordance with the legislative framework promulgated in 2013, (61) Community Share Ownership Trusts were established, with 58 subsequently being registered. To revitalise, the Government will undertake a comprehensive review of the implementation framework and provide corporate rescue support to struggling Trusts. A robust economic empowerment policy and regulations will be developed to ensure effective and transparent management of Community Share Ownership Trusts. Additionally, efforts will be made to publicise the existence of Community Share Ownership Trusts and ensure comprehensive audits of fund utilisation,” Dr Muswere said.
Community Share Ownership Trusts were established to ensure local communities benefit from the extraction and exploitation of natural resources within their areas.
