President Emmerson Mnangagwa has appointed the new Health Service Commission (HSC), signalling a pivotal development in the management of State health services. The HSC will take charge of overseeing staff in the State health sector, and this move comes after the passing of the Health Service Amendment Act.
Dr Vincent Hungwe, the chairperson of the Civil Service Commission, has been named as the chairperson of the newly formed seven-member Health Service Commission. He will be assisted by the highly experienced medical practitioner, Dr Abigail Rugare Kangwende.
The appointment of these seven commissioners, led by Dr Hungwe and Dr Kangwende, was made by President Mnangagwa in accordance with the Health Service Amendment Act. It is important to note that all commissions related to State staff have the chairperson of the Civil Service Commission in common.
In an announcement made last night, Acting Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet, Mr Willard Manungo, revealed the names of the seven commissioners. The HSC was established through the Health Service Amendment Act of 2022, replacing the Health Services Board. Its primary mandate is to manage the conditions of service for members of the State health services.
The other five commissioners include Major-General (Rtd) Gerald Gwinji, former Permanent Secretary for Health and Child Care; Dr Edward Makondo, a registered general and mental health nurse; Mr Engelbert Mbengwa, a seasoned Human Resources practitioner; Mrs Josephine Mwakutuya, with over 30 years of experience in health workforce regulation; and Mrs Mercy Sibongile Gwaunza, a Legal Practitioner with expertise in various legal fields.
Dr Hungwe’s appointment is in line with Section 5(1)(a) of the Health Service Act, which specifies that the Chairperson of the Civil Service Commission will also be the Chairperson of the Health Service Commission. Dr Hungwe’s extensive experience in chairing service commissions is expected to bring valuable insights to his new role.
Dr Rugare Kangwende, with over 40 years of experience in the medical field, is a highly accomplished public health specialist. She has served in various roles, including Government medical officer, director of monitoring and evaluation in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and Secretary for Health and Child Care. Her contributions to health workforce production, regulation, legislation, and policy have earned her recognition and awards.
Dr Gerald Gwinji, a qualified medical doctor and senior administrator with over 35 years of experience, has served in key positions in public health. His knowledge spans health workforce policy, strategy development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
The new Health Service Commission brings together a diverse range of skills and experiences to enhance the management and regulation of the State health services in Zimbabwe.
