Members of Parliament have demanded that the Ministry of Health and Child Care provide a detailed account of how funds collected through the sugar tax have been used.
The call follows a recent ministerial statement delivered in the National Assembly by Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini, in response to a February inquiry by legislators seeking clarity on the use of the tax since its introduction by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.
Introduced on 1 January 2024, the sugar tax was designed to curb excessive sugar consumption and raise revenue for the treatment of lifestyle-related diseases, including cancer.
However, legislators said the account presented only covered the period from January to November 2024 and did not disclose how much had been collected in 2025.
Kwidini said US$30.8 million raised in 2024 had been utilised to strengthen Zimbabwe’s cancer diagnosis and treatment capacity, as part of efforts to tackle the growing burden of non-communicable diseases.
He said contracts had been awarded for two low-energy radiotherapy machines for Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital, while two others had already been delivered and were awaiting installation.
He added that plans were in place to procure additional equipment, including CT scanners, MRI machines and mammography units, to improve early detection and overall cancer care.
However, legislators dismissed the explanation, saying it fell short of a satisfactory account of how the funds had been used.
“When we requested the ministerial statement, we did not request what has been presented now. We wanted to know how much was collected from inception to date, and what the money was used for,” said Bulawayo Central MP Surrender Kapoikilu.
“Yes, he gave us a figure that by November 2024, we had collected 30.8 million. What did the ministry buy? Did it buy linear accelerators that radiate cancer? Did it buy simulators?
“If it bought those, how much were they? If they bought those, which type, because there are different types of linear accelerators? Proton therapy machines, did you buy them? Did you buy a UPS system?
“Because these machines are not just plugged in like a television or an electric kettle.”
Mbizo constituency MP Corban Madzivanyika said the Ministry should specify how many X-ray machines, CT scanners, MRI machines and other critical equipment were acquired, including life-support and patient care items such as ventilators, wheelchairs and hospital beds.
Acting Speaker of Parliament and Phelandaba-Tshabalala constituency MP Joseph Tshuma agreed with fellow legislators, calling for a revised and more detailed ministerial statement to be presented to the House.
More: CITE
Leave a Reply Cancel reply