Zimbabwe and Japan in Health partnership

Provincial Reporter

Zimbabwe and Japan have joined hands in a significant health partnership, with Japan providing medical equipment valued at US$6.5 million to Zimbabwe's Central and Provincial hospitals.

Speaking at the media showcase at Gweru Provincial Hospital in Midlands Province, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Slyman Kwidini, emphasized the fruitful collaboration between the two nations. He commended Gweru Provincial Hospital as a prime example of this partnership, benefitting from the substantial support with state-of-the-art medical equipment.

“I stand here proud showcasing our hospital progress during this august media showcase.  Gweru Provincial Hospital is a shining example of the excellent collaboration between Zimbabwe and Japan. I note and appreciate the support you gave to our central and provincial hospitals of medical equipment to the tune of US$6,5million,” said Deputy Minister Kwidini.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the possibility of Gweru Provincial Hospital of delivering excellent quality services, as citizens prefer the hospital.

“Clients’ feedback both done at the hospital, through the community-based organizations and third part validation from the citizens across the country has indicated Gweru Provincial Hospital as the preferred tertiary health care service provider,” the Deputy Minister said.

Deputy Minister Kwidini praised Gweru Provincial Hospital for its exemplary staff  and its high motivational levels.

“The surveys done across the ministry show that this Institution has respectful staff, and we believe their motivation is high. Progress made across the Institutions and facilities that are implementing the 5S-Kaizen-TQM philosophy has been eye catching and this should encourage other Institutions to follow suite.

“Other indicators like patient waiting and serving time, availability of medicines, laboratory and radiological tests and general service availability has been steadily increasing,” he said.

Acknowledging Zimbabwe's ambition to attain upper middle-income status by 2030, Deputy Minister Kwidini stressed the indispensability of quality healthcare in achieving this goal. He referenced the National Development Strategy (NDS 1) and the National Health Strategy 2021-2025 as guiding frameworks outlining the milestones toward this aspiration.

In line with the World Health Organization's (WHO) definition of quality healthcare, Deputy Minister Kwidini emphasized the importance of evidence-based practices in achieving universal health coverage. He reiterated the critical role played by professional knowledge in enhancing health services and ultimately improving health outcomes for individuals and populations.

Government continues to harness engagements and partnerships to improve service delivery particularly in critical Ministries like Health.