Sharon Chigeza
MUTARE-Mutare residents have demanded that Government meet the Abuja Declaration target of allocating 15 percent of the national budget to healthcare, warning that the current eight percent allocation, 42 percent of which goes to salaries, leaves primary healthcare critically underfunded.
The demands were made during a public hearing in Mutare as public consultations on the 2027 National Budget reached Manicaland, with residents raising concerns over funding gaps in the health sector and the growing problem of drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.
“We need more funds to be allocated to healthcare delivery. Of the eight percent allocated to healthcare, 42 percent is going towards salaries, meaning there is a deficit when it comes to primary healthcare. Hence, we need the full 15 percent to go to healthcare under the Abuja Declaration of 2001,” one resident said.
Another resident proposed that a portion of mineral revenues generated in Manicaland be channelled towards healthcare, citing the province’s rich mineral endowment.
“Manicaland is rich in minerals. Our wish is that from each mineral being mined, if five percent of the returns is directed to the healthcare sector, that is our request,” the resident said.
Residents also called for greater investment in maternal healthcare, with one urging that more funds be channelled to the sector, especially maternal health.
Drug and substance abuse emerged as a major concern, with residents calling for dedicated rehabilitation facilities to tackle the problem affecting young people across the province.
Parliament assured residents that their submissions would be consolidated into a comprehensive report to inform the Budget Strategy Paper.
Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Budget, Finance and Investment Promotion, Lincoln Dhliwayo, said the consultations were a constitutional requirement and assured residents that their views would be captured.
“This is a constitutional requirement. We are seeking the views of the public. Here in Mutare, the need to increase support to the Ministry of Health dominated the submissions. There were issues related to SMEs and women’s empowerment. We will submit these submissions as they are,” he said.
The consultations are gathering views from communities, businesses, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders on issues affecting livelihoods and economic development. The strong showing of health concerns in Mutare signals growing public pressure on Government to prioritise healthcare funding in the upcoming budget.
