By Flata Kavinga
Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube has described general practitioners (GPs) as a critical pillar in primary healthcare delivery, saying their role spans health promotion, disease prevention, early diagnosis, treatment and palliative care.
Speaking during the official opening of the 2026 College of Primary Care Physicians of Zimbabwe (CPCPZ) and Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe (PSZ) joint annual conference in Kwekwe today (Friday), Minister Ncube said strong primary healthcare systems were essential in building healthy and productive communities.
The conference, which is running under the theme “Reimagining Quality Health Care”, ends on Sunday.
Ncube said the collaboration between medical practitioners and pharmacists remained important in addressing public health challenges, including access to safe medicines and the fight against drug and substance abuse.
“General Practitioners form the cornerstone of primary health delivery from health promotion, disease prevention, early diagnosis, treatment to palliative care. Pharmacists ensure availability and affordability of safe medicines,” said Ncube.
He raised concern over the threat posed by counterfeit medicines, particularly those supplied through unregistered outlets, saying the issue required coordinated efforts from healthcare professionals and other stakeholders.
Ncube said the fight against drug and substance abuse also required active participation from health practitioners and pharmacists due to its impact on young people’s health and productivity.
He said strengthening the health sector was aligned with national development priorities, including universal health coverage and the creation of a resilient and people-centred healthcare system.
Ncube said Government had implemented measures aimed at improving healthcare delivery, including modernising health infrastructure, increasing access to medical equipment, improving drug supplies and strengthening health financing.
He also highlighted initiatives such as the procurement of emergency response equipment, expansion of ambulance services, construction of health facilities and renovations of public hospitals as part of efforts to improve access to healthcare.
The Minister commended CPCPZ and PSZ for aligning their work with community health needs, government policies and changing global healthcare trends.
He said addressing emerging health challenges, including non-communicable diseases, climate-sensitive diseases and public health emergencies, required cooperation between government and healthcare professionals.
The joint CPCPZ and PSZ conference brings together general practitioners, pharmacists and other healthcare stakeholders to discuss issues affecting healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe.
