Investigative journalist Hopewell Chin’ono has dismissed the government’s pledge to provide free healthcare for all Zimbabweans, describing it as an insult to the intelligence of ordinary citizens.
Writing on X, Chin’ono argued that the promise highlights what he sees as a growing disconnect between political leaders and the realities faced by most Zimbabweans.
He questioned how such assurances could be taken seriously when many public health institutions are struggling to provide basic services and essential medicines.
According to Chin’ono, the state of the country’s hospitals makes claims of universal free healthcare difficult to believe, arguing that some facilities routinely run short of even common drugs such as paracetamol.
He said the focus should be on fixing the existing healthcare system and ensuring hospitals are adequately equipped before making ambitious promises about free medical treatment for all.
“I really don’t understand why the Zimbabwean government and state media seem determined to insult the intelligence of Zimbabweans with claims like these,” Chin’ono said.
“It is difficult to take promises of free healthcare seriously when many public hospitals struggle to provide even the most basic medication, including something as simple as paracetamol.
“What makes it even more frustrating is the apparent disconnect between the political elite and the daily realities faced by ordinary citizens.
“Millions of Zimbabweans are battling a healthcare system plagued by shortages of medicines, equipment, and staff, yet grand promises continue to be made as though these challenges do not exist.
“The Zimbabwean political elite appear so detached from reality that they make these pronouncements without appreciating how they sound to people who rely on public healthcare every day.
“It is not only unrealistic, but it is also deeply insulting to citizens who are living through the crisis.”
This comes after Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora said that all Zimbabweans will soon receive free medical treatment at public hospitals once the proposed National Health Fund Bill becomes law.
Responding to questions in the Senate, Mombeshora said that the Bill is currently headed to Cabinet before being tabled in Parliament.
He said it will create a national health financing system partly funded through taxes on harmful products such as cigarettes and alcohol.
The proposed Bill aims to ensure every citizen can be treated in all government hospitals without direct payment at the point of care.
The Minister said funding will be drawn from “sin taxes” on products linked to health risks, including tobacco and alcohol.
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