Zimbabwean economist and former MDC legislator for Bulawayo South, Mr Eddie Cross has said that the situation in the health sector was not encouraging.
Mr Cross speaks when medical practitioners in public health institutions are on industrial action that was started by junior and middle-level doctors on the 3rd of September this year over unsustainable salaries and poor working conditions.
The economist observes that the impasse between the government and the health caregivers affected the general populace noting that the haves can always get medical attention from beyond the country’s borders.
Speaking about Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare which he considered a “world-class” institution “without committed and well-trained staff”, Mr Cross said:
It’s just another run down government-owned building. Without doctors, it’s a glorified morgue where people go to die.
He added that the issue is not entirely about resources but management which demoralises or motivates workers.
Cross recommends the establishment of basic medical insurance as in Taiwan which is funded by a small national contribution per capita, reinforced by a national disaster fund financed by a small proportion of third party insurance cover and supported by a State subsidy paid out against a means test.
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