The Health sector is being allocated $6,5 billion next year allowing significant improvement in the health delivery system and sustaining gains already made in the sector.

Presenting the 2020 National Budget in Harare yesterday, Finance and Economic Development Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube said Government was aware of challenges facing the sector, including shortage of medicines, consumables and essential medical equipment, along with overcrowding, poor diets, inadequate infrastructure and an ongoing industrial action by doctors.

He said the country’s health burden has also greatly increased with non-communicable diseases, like cancer and diabetes on the rise, coupled with most hospitals and clinics having to cope with more people.

“To consolidate our achievements in health care, I am allocating $6,5 billion to the sector. This will cater for health infrastructure, personnel welfare, medicines, drugs, and sundries, among other essential hospital equipment and necessities,” said Prof Ncube.

He said in 2020, Government will also prioritise building health infrastructure, including renovating both urban and rural health facilities by leveraging on public-private partnerships.

Priority will be given to recruit more doctors and nurses.State media