A severe shortage of seasoned healthcare workers in Zimbabwe has led to a rise in misdiagnosed diseases at public hospitals, a recent survey by the Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) reveals. This deficit prompts patients to seek diagnostics from private entities, further highlighting the inadequacies within public health facilities.
The survey underscores a dire crisis in Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, where a stark lack of medical professionals jeopardizes patient health. Public healthcare suffers as more than half of the positions for health workers remain unfilled due to high attrition rates and emigration. This shortage translates into extended wait times and diminished care, eroding overall health outcomes.
According to a report by Newsday Zimbabwe, healthcare workers, crucial to the system’s integrity, have not garnered the necessary support and attention over the years. Despite reaching out for comments, Donald Mujiri, spokesperson for the Health and Child Care Ministry, has not addressed these survey findings.
The healthcare sector is reeling from a significant brain drain, with many nurses, doctors, and vital health personnel moving abroad, particularly to the United Kingdom. The country has reportedly lost upward of 4,000 nurses in the past year alone, with the exodus continuing amid drug shortages that further compromise healthcare quality.
Itai Rusike, CWGH executive director, calls on the government to boost health sector investment to mitigate this crisis. “Improving key health determinants can significantly enhance health sector performance,” he asserts. Economist and policy analyst Prosper Chitambara suggests investing in mobile outreach services to extend primary healthcare to isolated and newly resettled communities.
The World Health Organization lists Zimbabwe among 55 countries falling short in healthcare worker numbers, underscoring the urgent need for reforms.
