By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
In a move to strengthen emergency healthcare in Zimbabwe, Cabinet has approved the Principles of the Road Accident Fund Bill, setting the stage for a more efficient and humane post-accident management system.
During a post-Cabinet media briefing, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, explained that the Bill aims to drastically reduce road traffic fatalities and injuries by 2030 through enhanced access to emergency services and improved road safety measures.
“The Road Accident Fund Bill seeks to ensure access to safe, affordable, and sustainable transport systems while improving road safety for all Zimbabweans. It will revolutionise how we respond to road accidents by ensuring that accident survivors receive immediate and appropriate medical attention,” he said.
Currently, Zimbabwe’s insurance framework offers limited support after road accidents, as many emergency service providers are reluctant to intervene due to uncertain payment for medical services. The existing liability coverage is often insufficient to cover medical and funeral expenses.
Dr Muswere highlighted the need for reform, stating, “The current post-accident management framework is falling short. We are addressing a critical gap where lives are being lost simply because there is no assurance of payment for emergency services or adequate coverage for victims.”
The proposed Road Accident Fund will provide immediate financial support for medical and funeral expenses, greatly strengthening the capacity of health and emergency services to respond swiftly. It will also focus on long-term rehabilitation and recovery, recognizing that the impact of accidents extends beyond the immediate incident. The fund aims to improve the health sector’s ability to deliver ongoing care to victims.
Financed through motor vehicle insurance premiums and resources allocated by the Treasury, the Fund is designed to be sustainable without overburdening taxpayers.
In addition to healthcare reforms, Dr Muswere announced efforts to boost the pharmaceutical sector. The government aims to produce 60 percent of essential medicines locally by the end of 2023, reducing reliance on imports and supporting industrial recovery.
“The strategic objective of the Pharmaceutical Value Chain is to increase the proportion of locally produced essential medicines from 30 percent to 60 percent by end of 2025, and reduce the national medicines import bill from approximately US$220 million in 2020 to around US$100 million by the end of 2025,” he stated.
Progress has already been made, with local production of essential medicines rising from 15 percent in 2020 to 36 percent in 2024, and capacity utilization increasing from 12 percent to 51 percent. The number of pharmaceutical producers has grown by 56 percent, from 9 to 14 companies, indicating increased investor confidence.
Exports of pharmaceuticals increased from US$4.5 million in 2020 to US$5.2 million in 2024, a 15.6 percent rise. Additionally, two indigenous pharmaceutical retailers have transitioned into manufacturing.
Dr Muswere also announced that the Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe has achieved Maturity Level 3 under the WHO benchmarking system, indicating a stable regulatory environment.
The government plans to continue funding NATPHARM, promote local procurement in health institutions, and introduce a Pharmaceutical Revolving Fund for affordable financing.
Further measures include reinstating VAT zero-rating on pharmaceutical products, establishing local drug testing laboratories to reduce reliance on imports, and implementing a Sugar Content Tax with revenue directed towards local pharmaceutical manufacturing.