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Harare- The Chiredzi central legislator, Ropafadzo Makumire has called on government to declare a state of emergency to struggling public hospitals that have drastically deteriorated due to a myriad of operational challenges.
In his motion made early this month in Parliament, Makumire lamented the deterioration of health infrastructure, shortage of professional medical staff leaving the country in droves as well as massive drug shortages.
“The healthcare system has collapsed hospitals lack essential medicines, equipment, electricity, clean water, and staff, leading to preventable deaths to take lives, especially among women during childbirth.
Citing Section 76 of the Constitution (right to health) and Section 113 (allowing a state of emergency when national life is under threat), I urge the Government to mobilize both domestic and international resources, prioritize maternal care and chronic ailments” he said
Supporters of the motion described the situation as a constitutional crisis and stressed that declaring an emergency would unlock resources and focus priorities on saving lives. However, some Members of Parliament opposed the call, arguing that while challenges exist, they did not warrant a state of emergency.
They pointed to ongoing government efforts such as clinic construction, equipment procurement, and training programmes, but acknowledged funding delays and shortfalls.
In short, the motion pressed Government to officially recognize the public health sector’s collapse as an emergency requiring urgent action and funding, but the proposal faced divided opinions in Parliament from the ruling party MPs who claimed government was doing enough to address the challenges.
Supporters of the motion described the situation as a constitutional crisis and stressed that declaring an emergency would unlock resources and focus priorities on saving lives. However, some Members of Parliament opposed the call, arguing that while challenges exist, they did not warrant a state of emergency. They pointed to ongoing government efforts such as clinic construction, equipment procurement, and training programmes, but acknowledged funding delays and shortfalls.
Efforts to get a comment from Health Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora were fruitless.
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