By Kudzaishe Chimonera
Zimbabwe has commemorated its first-ever International Paramedics Day, with health authorities using the occasion to highlight sweeping legal reforms that now make the provision of emergency medical care a statutory obligation for both public and private healthcare institutions.
The commemorations, held at Harare Town House and organised by Health and Safety Solutions, brought together more than 30 public and private emergency medical service (EMS) providers to celebrate the contribution of paramedics while reflecting on the significance of the newly gazetted Medical Services Amendment Act.
The legislation requires healthcare providers to prioritise life-saving treatment before addressing issues of payment, reinforcing emergency care as a constitutional right.
Representing Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, the Ministry’s Chief Director of Curative Services, Dr Maxwell Hove, said the law marked a major milestone in strengthening Zimbabwe’s emergency healthcare system.
“It is important to note that emergency medical services are part of the right to healthcare that is now enshrined in our Constitution. As if that was not enough, the Medical Services Amendment Act was assented to yesterday.
“Which implies that the provision of emergency medical services is now part of our law and legal framework. If we are called upon as service providers to provide emergency medical care and, for some reason, fail to do so, we may be called to account. In some cases, we may even be prosecuted.
“We are now required to provide emergency medical services first. Issues relating to remuneration or payment of fees can only be addressed after we have saved a human life. That is the significance of enshrining emergency medical services in both the Constitution and our statutes,” he said.
Dr Hove said the law also compels private hospitals to stabilise emergency patients for at least 48 hours before transferring them, regardless of whether they can immediately pay for treatment.
“When you take a patient in an emergency medical situation to a private medical institution, whether it is Milton Park Hospital, Borrowdale Trauma Centre or any other private institution, they are required to attend to that emergency patient and stabilise them for at least 48 hours before referring them to a public or another appropriate institution. Questions relating to fees can only be addressed after the patient has been taken out of the emergency situation,” he said.
He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to strengthening emergency medical services through improved training, professional development, clinical governance and investment in emergency care systems.
Dr Hove also paid tribute to paramedics and their families, acknowledging the sacrifices made by emergency responders, particularly those who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
“I also acknowledge the families of our emergency medical personnel for their unwavering support. As we commemorate this important day, let us remember those members of the emergency medical services profession who have passed on, particularly those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
“To all emergency medical professionals, continue to uphold integrity, compassion, excellence, teamwork and respect for human dignity. To every ambulance technician, emergency medical technician and paramedic across Zimbabwe, thank you for your professionalism, resilience and unwavering commitment to saving lives,” he said.
The event also honoured emergency medical personnel who have served for up to 50 years, recognising their dedication to saving lives and strengthening Zimbabwe’s emergency healthcare system.
Health and Safety Solutions’ Getrude Chiwisa said the commemorations marked Zimbabwe’s first official participation in International Paramedics Day since joining the global initiative launched by the College of Paramedics in the United Kingdom in 2022.
“Health and Safety Solutions is the Zimbabwean representative of International Paramedics Day, which was started by the College of Paramedics in the UK in 2022. Ever since Zimbabwe joined, we had not held any celebrations, so this is the first time we have organised our own.
“The day marks the birthday of the doctor who pioneered emergency medical services globally. It is a very important day for us because paramedics are often unsung heroes whose work is rarely recognised.” she said.
Acting Harare Mayor, Councillor Jane Bingali described paramedics as indispensable frontline workers who routinely risk their lives to save others.
“Paramedics are the frontline guardians of emergency healthcare. They respond when others are running away from danger. They provide hope when families are in distress and deliver lifesaving interventions when every second counts,” she said.
