Minister of Health and Childcare, Douglas Mombeshora, has said that more than 60% of Zimbabweans are seeking the services of traditional healers, or sangomas (n’angas).
Zimbabwe’s healthcare system has been in decline over the past 25 years, with at least 4,000 health workers leaving the country to work abroad in countries such as the United Kingdom and South Africa, as the government struggles to offer competitive salaries to nurses and doctors.
Speaking at the official opening of the Tait Medical Centre in Rusape this week, Mombeshora said that while many people turn to traditional healers, it is important for them to also seek care at hospitals. He said:
“I know 60% of people, who are gathered here, are seeking the services of n’angas to get medical assistance.
“I know that I am not saying n’angas are not good, but there is a time you need to go to a hospital.”
The minister said the government is working on the National Health Insurance Scheme Bill, which would provide Zimbabweans with free medical treatment. He said:
“The Bill is at final stages and we anticipate presenting it to Parliament this month and with the full implementation expected in 2026.
“Every Zimbabwean will be getting free medication, X-rays at every public hospital.”
Despite Treasury repeatedly falling short of allocating 15% of the national budget to the health sector, as pledged under the 2001 Abuja Declaration on Health by African Union member states, Mombeshora said the government plans to boost domestic funding for healthcare, improve access to essential medicines, and build and upgrade health facilities.
He added that Zimbabwe is no longer classified as a high-burden country for tuberculosis and has seen a decline in malaria cases, despite occasional outbreaks.
Mombeshora also noted improvements in life expectancy, saying it now stands at 64 years for men and 68 years for women.
