Doctor Shortage Hits Zimbabwe as Healthcare Professionals Flee Abroad
Zimbabwe’s healthcare system is struggling under the weight of a doctor shortage, as medical professionals continue to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad, government officials have confirmed.
The exodus of doctors is hitting public hospitals hardest, where low salaries, poor working conditions, and a lack of essential medical supplies are pushing healthcare workers away. This shortage has left many rural communities without access to doctors, forcing residents to travel long distances for basic medical care.
Deputy Minister of Health Sleiman Kwidini told the National Assembly that the migration of doctors is having a particularly harsh impact on rural areas. He explained that while the country is still training new doctors, the benefits won’t be felt immediately.
“Right now, the challenge of us not getting doctors in these hospitals is that we are still training more doctors because doctors have left the country for greener pastures. Therefore, we are looking forward to having more doctors in 2029 to 2030 to service these rural hospitals,” said Kwidini.
Residents in rural areas are already feeling the strain. Many elderly citizens are forced to walk long distances just to see a doctor, a problem Kwidini attributed in part to a lack of accommodation for medical staff at district hospitals.
Kwidini also pointed out that staffing smaller clinics is a challenge because patient numbers at some facilities don’t justify permanent placements, leaving gaps in service.
“It is true that we need doctors in rural hospitals so that elderly people do not have to travel long distances to see doctors. We have a challenge with the doctors’ houses in district hospitals. This is the challenge that we are facing, which then results in elderly people failing to find those doctors in rural hospitals. There is no accommodation for these doctors, but as soon as we put in place accommodation, they will be found nearer to them. For us to put doctors in clinics, it is difficult because the patient ratio is not enough,” he said.
With public hospitals stretched thin, many Zimbabweans are turning to private healthcare, leaving poorer citizens with limited options. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has promised improvements, and some upgrades are already underway, including renovations at a section of Parirenyatwa Hospital.
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The post Doctor Shortage Hits Zimbabwe as Healthcare Professionals Flee Abroad appeared first on iHarare News.
