Staff Reporter
Zimbabwe’s health sector is set to benefit from an intensified anti-smuggling campaign aimed at reducing, among other vices, the flow of counterfeit medicines and medical supplies into the country.
In an interview with Harare Post yesterday, a prominent doctor in Masvingo Province, Dr. Takaedza Moyo, shared insights, stressing the significant impact the campaign will have on patient safety and overall healthcare delivery.
"The battle against smuggling is essential for protecting our healthcare system and the well-being of our citizens. Counterfeit drugs, medical equipment, and supplies not only undermine trust in healthcare but also put lives at risk. This initiative is a pivotal step toward ensuring that our healthcare sector is safe, efficient, and trustworthy," said Dr. Moyo.
Revai Mutero, a nurse at Gutu Mission Hospital, also weighed in on the issue.
"As frontline healthcare workers, we see firsthand the devastation caused by smuggled counterfeit drugs. These drugs often fail to treat illnesses properly, and in some cases, they worsen conditions. We welcome any efforts that make our hospitals and clinics safer for patients," said Mutero.
Pharmacist Maxwell Faranisi added that the smuggling of fake medicines and drugs has been on the rise since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Since COVID-19, when borders were closed, people have been smuggling goods through some porous border points. These fake and counterfeit products have serious health effects. Fake drugs kill more than a million people worldwide each year. I am glad the government is taking an initiative to stop the smuggling of counterfeit drugs," Faranisi said.
Government has already implemented stringent border security measures and is collaborating with international bodies to curb the illegal flow of contraband.
Cabinet launched the Anti-Smuggling Campaign in November 2024 across all 10 provinces as part of a broader initiative to secure borders and restore integrity in the health sector.
The campaign aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision of a corruption-free and self-sustaining economy.
The anti-smuggling campaign is expected to deliver significant results in the health sector in the coming months, contributing to a safer and more trustworthy healthcare system.
With widespread support from healthcare professionals and residents alike, the initiative is poised to make a lasting impact on Zimbabwe’s healthcare system.
