In order to have an efficient and smooth running health delivery system, Cabinet on Tuesday approved the Heath Services Amendment Bill which will see the transformation of the Health Services Board (HSB)into the Health Services Commission (HSC).
Addressing the media in post Cabinet briefing, Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Monica Mutsvangwa pointed the key features of the Amendment Bill include designating health services as an essential service.
“Designation of the health service as an essential service in line with Section 65(3) of the Constitution,” said Minister Mutsvangwa.
According to Zimbabwe’s 2013 Constitution under Section 65 Sub-section 3 which deals with labour rights states that “Except for members of the security services, every employee has the right to participate in collective job action, including the right to strike, sit-in, withdraw their labour and to take other similar concerted action, but a law may restrict the exercise of this right in order to maintain essential services.”
The HSB will be replaced by the Health Services Commission which will be headed by a Chairman, Deputy Chairperson and havening a maximum of five other members.
“Substitution of the Health Services Board with the Health Services Commission and specifying the functions thereof.
“Specification of the membership of the Commission as comprising the Chairperson who must be the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission; a Deputy Chairperson and a minimum of two and maximum of five other members appointed by the President,” said the Information Minister.
The Bill will ensure that health services will continue to be discharged to patients even if there is a job action.
“Under the amended Bill, it shall be the responsibility of every member of the Health Service to ensure that emergency medical service and critical care service receive adequate coverage, even during times of job action,” concluded Minister Mutsvangwa.
An Executive Secretary who should be a medical doctor with at least 7 years of experience and other staff members of the Commission, who will be responsible for day to day administration and management of the Commission.
