Proposed amendments to Statutory Instrument 330 of 2000 are expected to come under increased parliamentary consideration when the National Assembly resumes sitting on June 2, amid ongoing consultations between lawmakers and healthcare stakeholders over the future structure of Zimbabwe’s private healthcare sector.
The matter is already under review by the Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care, as well as the Public Service and Labour Committee. The Portfolio Committee on Justice is also understood to have taken a keen interest in the matter as discussions around the proposed reforms continue.
At the center of the discussions are proposed changes by the Ministry of Health and Child Care aimed at separating healthcare funding from healthcare service provision. These include restricting medical aid societies from operating service arms such as clinics, pharmacies, laboratories, and diagnostic centres.
The Association of Healthcare Funders of Zimbabwe (AHFoZ), which represents major medical aid societies, has been engaging with Parliament to seek what it describes as a balanced approach to the proposed amendments.
Industry representatives argue that integrated healthcare models play an important role in maintaining healthcare affordability, supporting service delivery, and sustaining private sector investment in healthcare infrastructure.
Sources familiar with parliamentary processes said the Health and Child Care Portfolio Committee is expected to consider submissions presented by AHFoZ as lawmakers continue consultations on the matter.
In April, members of the Health and Child Care Committee and the Public Service and Labour Committee held a breakfast engagement with AHFoZ executives, where healthcare funders presented submissions outlining their concerns and recommendations.
During the engagement, healthcare funders argued that integrated healthcare systems help contain medical costs, improve coordination of care, and strengthen healthcare accessibility at a time when Zimbabwe’s health sector continues to face significant economic and operational pressures.
AHFoZ also expressed concern that abrupt regulatory changes could affect more than 10,000 jobs and jeopardize investments estimated at over US$200 million tied to healthcare facilities, equipment, and service delivery operations.
The organization said preserving healthcare investment and service capacity is important at a time when many ordinary Zimbabweans are already struggling with rising medical costs and limited access to affordable healthcare.
AHFoZ has since written a petition to the Speaker of Parliament seeking further engagement and consideration of its proposals.
According to healthcare funders, preserving certain integrated healthcare structures while strengthening governance and oversight mechanisms could help maintain healthcare affordability, consumer choice, and investment stability within the sector.
The debate is increasingly shaping into a broader policy balancing exercise concerning healthcare regulation, affordability, investment protection, and long-term service delivery sustainability.
The proposed amendments have generated growing interest within Zimbabwe’s healthcare industry, with stakeholders closely monitoring the parliamentary processes and possible recommendations from the portfolio committees.
The outcome of the parliamentary consultations could shape not only the future structure of private healthcare regulation but also the sustainability of healthcare investment, affordability, and service delivery in Zimbabwe’s already pressured health sector.