Push to Ring-Fence Sugar Tax Revenue for Healthcare

HARARE – Government has been urged to ensure that revenue collected through the sugar tax is reserved exclusively for funding the healthcare sector.

Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said ring-fencing the funds would strengthen Government’s ability to respond to the country’s growing health challenges.

He said directing the revenue specifically towards healthcare would help improve the delivery of essential medical services, support disease-prevention programmes and ease pressure on public health facilities.

The proposal comes amid increasing calls for greater transparency and accountability in the use of revenue collected from health-related taxes.

Supporters of the move argue that money raised through the sugar tax should directly benefit the sector it was introduced to support, rather than being absorbed into general Government expenditure.

Dr Mombeshora said protecting the funds would allow authorities to plan more effectively and channel resources towards priority areas within the health system.

The push to ring-fence the revenue is also expected to renew debate over how the funds are collected, managed and distributed.

Health stakeholders have repeatedly stressed the need for sustainable financing to address shortages of medicines, equipment and other essential resources in public hospitals and clinics.

If implemented, the measure could provide a more reliable source of funding for healthcare programmes and strengthen the country’s response to both existing and emerging health challenges.