By Chantelle Muzanenhamo
HARARE – In a move aimed at reducing dependency on imports and enhance health sector resilience, the Zimbabwe government announced on Tuesday a strategic push to develop local medical oxygen production capabilities through infrastructure investments and public-private collaborations.
During a post-Cabinet briefing, Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Dr. Jenfan Muswere emphasized that building a robust domestic oxygen supply chain is vital for safeguarding public health, especially during emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our focus is on establishing self-sufficient oxygen production facilities across the country, with key plants being developed in Chinhoyi and Lupane,” Muswere stated.
“By doing so, we aim to secure long-term availability and reduce reliance on external sources, which can be unpredictable during crises.”
He highlighted ongoing projects at several hospitals Masvingo, Chipinge, Chivhu, Gokwe North, and Victoria Chitepo that are benefiting from recent upgrades to their oxygen systems. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to build a resilient health infrastructure capable of meeting surging demand during health emergencies.
The new plants, developed in collaboration with local firms, are expected to provide a reliable and cost-effective supply of medical oxygen, supporting frontline healthcare workers and patients alike.
The initiative aligns with the government’s goal of fostering local industry growth while bolstering national health security.
“This approach not only enhances our capacity to respond swiftly during health crises but also promotes local economic development,” Muswere explained.
“It demonstrates Zimbabwe’s commitment to building a self-reliant health system that can withstand future challenges.”
Funding for these projects is a mix of government investment and public-private partnerships, aiming to create a sustainable and scalable oxygen supply network.
Muswere concluded that these efforts are key to improving healthcare delivery and ensuring better health outcomes for all Zimbabweans.