GOVERNMENT has approved sweeping fee reductions across the country’s health sector in a move authorities say is aimed at lowering compliance costs and improving healthcare access.
The measures were announced in a Treasury statement on approved regulatory reforms covering the manufacturing, health, financial services and real estate sectors.
Cabinet approved reductions in several licensing, registration and operational fees charged by health regulatory authorities and professional councils.
"These reforms are intended to reduce the cost of compliance, improve ease of doing business and enhance access to affordable healthcare services," the statement read.
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Among the approved measures include a 20% to 30% reduction in medical service provider fees for hospitals and laboratories.
The Treasury said the reforms are part of broader efforts to lower the cost of doing business and encourage investment in critical sectors of the economy.
"The approved reforms seek to promote investment, improve affordability of services and support economic growth," the statement said.
Zimbabwe's healthcare system continues to face significant financial and operational pressures.
Public hospitals have struggled with shortages of medicines, equipment and staff, while private healthcare providers have complained about rising regulatory and operational costs.
Healthcare professionals and industry players have long argued that high licensing, registration and compliance fees increase the cost of healthcare delivery.
Meanwhile, lower practising and registration fees for nurses, doctors, pharmacists and laboratory professionals are expected to ease annual compliance costs for healthcare workers.
Zimbabwe's health sector has been heavily affected by the migration of skilled professionals to countries such as the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and South Africa, where salaries and working conditions are considered more attractive.
