Vice President Chiwenga Sounds Alarm Over Exodus of Zimbabwean Health Workers
Written by Staff Reporter on May 6, 2026
Vice President Constantino Chiwenga has raised fresh concern over the increasing migration of Zimbabwean health professionals to foreign countries, warning that the trend is severely straining the nation’s healthcare system.
Addressing delegates in Harare recently, Chiwenga said the continued recruitment of Zimbabwean doctors, nurses, and other skilled medical personnel by overseas nations is leaving public hospitals and clinics critically understaffed.
He described the situation as a growing national crisis, noting that aggressive international recruitment campaigns are worsening challenges already confronting the country’s health sector.
“The loss of skilled personnel continues to weaken our healthcare delivery system at a time when the country needs experienced professionals the most,” Chiwenga said.
He urged health workers to play a greater role in national development by remaining in Zimbabwe and contributing their expertise toward strengthening local healthcare institutions.
Chiwenga’s remarks come as the health sector faces mounting pressure from staff shortages, with stakeholders repeatedly calling for improved salaries, better working conditions, and stronger retention policies to curb the ongoing brain drain.
By Witness A Phiri
Breeze FM