Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
HEALTH professionals have thrown their weight behind proposed amendments to Statutory Instrument 330 of 2000, describing the reforms as a critical step towards a more transparent, accountable and patient-centred healthcare system.
The proposed changes are aimed at strengthening oversight of medical aid societies, improving transparency in pricing and claims, and ensuring that patients remain at the heart of healthcare delivery.
Support for the reforms emerged during an engagement between the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care and key healthcare stakeholders in Harare.
The amendments seek to reinforce the role of medical aid societies as healthcare financiers, while introducing stricter regulatory controls to address conflicts of interest arising from vertical integration, where funders also own or control healthcare service providers.
Health professionals argue that the current model has blurred the line between financing and service delivery, often to the detriment of patients.
Zimbabwe Medical Association President, Dr Kudzai Masinire said the reforms are both necessary and overdue.
“The vertical integration that has characterised the sector for more than two decades has created significant challenges for patients. These reforms will help separate healthcare insurers from service providers and improve patient outcomes,” he said.
He added that clear structural reforms are essential to support Zimbabwe’s broader socio-economic transformation and public health goals.
Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe President, Mrs Vimbainashe Mukakati highlighted the urgent need for greater transparency across the healthcare value chain.
“There is a serious conflict of interest where the funder determines both the therapy and what is paid, often without adequate checks and balances. This limits transparency and undermines informed patient choice,” she said.
Vice President of the Radiography Association of Zimbabwe, Ms Precious Mhlanga said the reforms are vital in upholding ethical standards in patient care.
“They address concerns about treating patients as commodities rather than individuals in need of care. Funders should finance healthcare, while providers focus on delivering quality treatment,” she said.
Members of Parliament also underscored the importance of continued engagement to ensure broad consensus on implementation.
Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care member, Honourable Thomas Muwodzeri said the reforms must prioritise patient rights as enshrined in Section 76 of Zimbabwe’s Constitution.
If enacted, the amendments are expected to strengthen accountability, improve service delivery and restore public confidence in Zimbabwe’s healthcare financing system.
