The Health Service Commission (HSC) recently undertook a vital stakeholder engagement visit to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, underscoring its commitment to listening to, supporting, and empowering healthcare workers at the frontline of service delivery.
Leading the delegation were HSC Commissioners Major General (Rtd) Dr Gerald Gwinji and Commissioner Mercy Gwaunza, who met with the hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Narcisius Dzvanga, along with heads of departments and senior clinical and administrative staff. The engagement session provided an important platform for open dialogue on operational challenges, staff welfare, and strategies to enhance health service delivery at one of Zimbabwe’s busiest referral hospitals.
The meeting focused on bridging the gap between policy formulation and implementation, ensuring that the perspectives and experiences of frontline health professionals inform decision-making processes at the highest levels. Key issues raised included staffing needs, resource constraints, infrastructure improvements, and opportunities for professional development.
Following the discussions, the commissioners conducted a comprehensive tour of the hospital’s wards and departments. They visited the emergency unit, maternity and paediatric wards, among others, taking time to interact with healthcare workers and observe the day-to-day realities they face. The commissioners commended the staff for their unwavering commitment and resilience in the face of resource limitations and high patient volumes.
The visit served as a reminder of the crucial role that frontline workers play in sustaining Zimbabwe’s public health system. By engaging directly with those at the heart of service delivery, the HSC reaffirmed its dedication to creating an enabling environment for health workers through better support systems, improved working conditions, and responsive leadership.
Commissioner Gwaunza highlighted the importance of continuous engagement with health professionals, stating, “We cannot formulate effective health sector policies without hearing directly from the people who implement them. Their insights are invaluable.”
The HSC’s engagement at Mpilo is part of a broader nationwide initiative to promote accountability, transparency, and collaboration within the health sector. Through such visits, the Commission aims to strengthen trust, boost morale among healthcare workers, and ensure the sustainability of high-quality healthcare services for all Zimbabweans.