The Ministry of Health and Childcare issued a strongly expressed statement in response to comments from youth empowerment minister Tino Machacare who criticized the deterioration of Zimbabwe’s public health system yesterday.
Machacare’s comments, widely distributed on social media, sparked a rare public rebuttal from the Ministry of Health. This described criticism as part of a “broader pattern of unfair and mischievous attacks.” The ministry defended its track record in a statement, calling for public statements “fair, balanced, factual.”
“We recognize and respect the right of the public to express concern, but we strongly reject stories that unfairly undermine the tireless efforts of healthcare professionals,” the statement read.
The ministry has achieved several achievements under President Emerson Mnangawa’s Second Republic’s leadership, including notable procedures such as upgrading hospital infrastructure, expanding training for healthcare workers, improving access to essential medicines, and opening heart surgery at Parileniyatova Hospital. He also highlighted the development of telehealth in rural areas such as northern Gokwe as evidence of innovation in service delivery.
However, critics argue that these developments cannot hide deeper systemic issues that plague Zimbabwean health sector. Years of lack of funding, staff shortages, aging facilities and repeated strikes by healthcare workers have seriously undermined public confidence in government-run hospitals and clinics. Many citizens continue to rely on private care or seek treatment abroad. This is a luxury that the majority cannot access.
Health advocates say the ministry’s response avoids real issues: government neglect. “We don’t see sustainable investments in frontline services,” said one senior healthcare professional anonymously. “Rural clinics still lack basic equipment, urban hospitals are overwhelmed, and our nurses are leaving the country in large numbers.”
Observers should note that the criticism of Machacare, which is unusual for a sitting vice minister, may reflect a growing dissatisfaction in the government’s ranks regarding the state of public services. His remarks hit a chord with ordinary Zimbabweans facing long lines in the public health system, drug shortages and banned costs.
