By Jonathan Mbiriyamveka
HARARE — In a major regulatory shift for Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector, Cabinet has resolved that all private hospitals must now report their health statistics and service delivery data directly to the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Health and Child Care, Hon. Dr Douglas Mombeshora, during his address at The Avenues Clinic Post Graduate School of Nursing graduation ceremony.
For years, private hospitals have operated largely outside the national health data grid, meaning their contributions to patient outcomes and specialist care were not fully captured in national planning.
Addressing the graduates and healthcare executives, Dr Mombeshora said the new directive was essential for accurate national planning.
“Private healthcare institutions have contributed immensely to Zimbabwe’s health outcomes through service delivery, specialist care, training, infrastructure and investment,” the Minister said.
“However, much of this contribution has not been adequately reflected in our national health statistics and reporting systems.”
“One country, one health system”
The Cabinet resolution means that private hospitals, clinics, and mission institutions will now be required to submit their performance information through the Ministry’s official channels.
“This is an important step towards ensuring that our national health indicators reflect the full contribution of every player in the sector,” Dr Mombeshora explained.
“It will also strengthen planning, coordination, accountability and evidence-based decision making.”
The Minister acknowledged that the development of the new reporting framework—including the reporting template—is still a work in progress.
He noted that the initial template might raise practical concerns among private hospitals, but welcomed constructive engagement to refine the system.
“The underlying principle is simple: we are one country and one health system, and we must report as one,” he said.
“Whether healthcare is delivered in a public, private or mission institution, it contributes to the health and wellbeing of the same Zimbabwean population. Our national achievements must therefore be reflected collectively.”
What it means for private hospitals
The directive places private institutions under the same data reporting microscope as public facilities, aiming to eliminate the silos that have historically separated the two sectors.
While the exact reporting metrics are still being finalized, the move signals a new era of accountability and integration in Zimbabwe’s health sector, ensuring that national health policies are informed by the complete picture of healthcare delivery in the country.
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