The transformation of Zimbabwe's health care system: A review of the white paper on health

In a recently released White Paper on health, the Government of Zimbabwe details its plans to transform the colonial health care system it inherited at the time of independence to one consonant with its commitment to socialist development. The essence of the transformation can be described in terms of several key ideas. First, there is a commitment to develop an integrated non-racial health care system. Second, there is a concerted attempt to develop a primary health care system throughout Zimbabwe. Third, there is a deliberate attempt to 'redistribute' health care resources by making sure that additional or new resources are largely devoted to the rural populations. Fourth, the government is committed, and has acted on the commitment, to ensure equitable access to health services. Fifth, the government is taking a variety of measures to limit the size and influence of the private medical sector. Sixth, there is a serious intent to involve local populations in the health planning and programming. Seventh, human resource development must be consistent with the primary health care system the government wishes to establish throughout the country. It is suggested that while the White Paper is unclear and uncertain about some important aspects of the transformation, for example, with regard to the private sector and the financing of the National Health Service, most of its proposed changes are well within the realm of feasibility.