Tinotenda Hove – The Emmerson Mnangagwa administration is facing mounting criticism after claiming major progress in revamping Zimbabwe’s healthcare system—despite widespread reports of hospital decay, drug shortages, and staff walkouts across the country.

At the centre of the government’s recent media blitz is a new 52-room diagnostic laboratory at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), which officials say positions the facility as a one-stop centre for testing and diagnosing infectious diseases, including Ebola.

“This is a big laboratory, and it can diagnose infectious diseases like Ebola. It has increased our power to diagnose as an institution. We are now a one-stop centre, we no longer outsource services, and this has brought a lot of convenience to our patients,” said UBH Chief Medical Officer, Dr William Busumani.

Government spokespersons also praised the installation of a solar plant at UBH, citing it as part of the Second Republic’s commitment to uninterrupted healthcare delivery.

“The Second Republic also equipped our institution with a solar plant. This plant has helped ensure that even when there is an electrical fault in a hospital, we are not disturbed,” Busumani added.

Information Minister Dr Jenfan Muswere echoed the government’s feel-good narrative: “So many success stories have been recorded here in Bulawayo. Some of the stories include the expansion of many institutions. This has contributed towards the country’s industrialisation drive.”

But outside of official statements, the reality on the ground paints a bleaker picture.

Public hospitals nationwide continue to grapple with chronic underfunding, lack of essential medication, understaffing, and dilapidated infrastructure. Patients often bring their own medical supplies or endure months-long waits for surgery. In rural areas, clinics operate without electricity or running water.

Critics say the government is using isolated infrastructure upgrades to whitewash a national health crisis.

“The government is trying to score political points with a few cosmetic upgrades while the rest of the country suffers,” said a Harare-based medical professional. “One lab doesn’t fix a broken system.”

At Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare—one of the country’s largest referral hospitals—ongoing refurbishments have failed to address systemic issues like malfunctioning equipment, power cuts, and staff burnout.

Despite claiming it is working toward universal health coverage, the Mnangagwa regime has done little to address the deep-rooted collapse of the sector. Analysts warn that without genuine reforms and increased investment, Zimbabwe’s health system will continue to deteriorate—no matter how many ribbon-cutting ceremonies are held.