Zimbabwe | Actively Advancing a National Strategy to Become a Premier Global Hub for Medical Tourism

Zimbabwe is actively advancing a national strategy to become a premier global and regional hub for medical tourism, with the aim to boost its economy by offering high - quality, cost - effective specialized healthcare services.

Under the government National Development Strategy (NDS), this initiative aims to stimulate economic growth attract international patients, and also those within the national territory, while reducing the need for citizens to travel abroad for treatments as reported by New Ziana, a news agency and publisher based in Harare.

The initiative seeks to place the country health sector on the international stage by developing world -class medical facilities. 

Among the key elements of the strategy are the strengthening of specialized medical services, their cost competitiveness in the face of regional and global alternatives, the modernization of existing hospitals, the updating of medical equipment and the adoption of international standards of care to guarantee quality treatments at a global level. 

Victoria Falls, a consolidated and famous tourist destination in the country, has been selected for the development of medical tourism, combining advanced health services with the city’s tourism infrastructure, allowing patients and companions to integrate treatment with leisure and recovery.

The authorities stress that, in addition to the economic benefits, this move will improve access to specialized medical care for Zimbabwean citizens to travel nationally for specific treatments, in line with the national ambition to transform the economy through innovation, investment, and value - added services. 

Key components of the National Development Strategy (NDS) include: 

•    Victoria Falls Health Economic Zone: The resort city of Victoria Falls has been designated as a special hub for medical tourism, linking advanced healthcare facilities with existing hospitality infrastructure to allow for a mix of treatment, leisure, and recovery. 
•    Infrastructure Modernization: The government is investing heavily in modernizing existing hospitals, upgrading medical equipment, and implementing solar power in over 1.000 health facilities to ensure uninterrupted services.
•    International Partnership: A landmark deal with Belarus has been signed to revamp medical infrastructure, starting with the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, aiming for a regional centre of excellence by 2030. 
•    Focus on Specialized Care: The strategy highlights specialized medical services, including cardiac and orthopaedic care, with top institutions like the Trauma Centre Borrowdale already receiving recognition for high – standard care. 
•    Competitive Pricing: A major goal is to offer specialized medical procesdures at significantly lower costs compared to traditional destinations in Asia and Europe. 

This initiative is part of the country Vision 2030 agenda to transform Zimbabwe into an upper - middle - income economy and as part of that the government is encouraging private sector investment in the health sector to strengthen local capacity and bolster foreign currency earnings.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/es/news/zimbabue-avanza-en-su-estrategia-para-convertirse-en-un-centro-global-de-turismo-m-dico/