Health ministries in Zimbabwe and Malaysia implement structural reforms

Health ministries in Zimbabwe and Malaysia are implementing structural reforms to improve service delivery and address systemic pressures on public healthcare.

In Zimbabwe, the Ministry of Health and Child Care has called for increased accountability and teamwork to meet Universal Health Coverage targets. Deputy Minister Sithembiso Kwidini emphasized that the National Health Strategy 2026–2030 must translate into measurable improvements, such as medicine availability, the presence of health workers, and responsive ambulance services. The ministry aims to improve coordination between national departments, provinces, and the Health Services Commission to ensure citizens remain the focus of healthcare efforts.

In Malaysia, the health ministry is pursuing coordinated reforms under the RESET strategic banner to reduce long waiting times and specialist shortages. Key initiatives include the MediAsas basic medical insurance plan and the Hospital Services Outsourcing Programme. The outsourcing program has reportedly reduced waiting times for arteriovenous fistula surgeries by 75%, while MRI and ultrasound service wait times have decreased by 20% and 14%, respectively. The ministry is also utilizing public-private partnerships to bridge the gap between public and private healthcare sectors.