By Byron Mutingwende and Munyaradzi Dhure
The eighth edition of the Zim-Afro Medical and Health Expo has emphasised the importance of upholding high standards of quality and safety in pursuit of achieving Universal Health Coverage.
The conference had sub-themes of innovative regulatory models, safe practice and quality as well as medical and health education.
In his remarks while officially opening the conference, the Minister of Health Care, Dr. Obadiah Moyo said the annual expo creates a platform that brings together leading medical suppliers, distributors, professionals, health service providers and related stakeholders to exhibit their products and services.
“As you have noted, the expo presents an informative, and engaging platform for delegates to learn and exchange innovative ideas and discuss key issues that affect the health sector. We acknowledge councils who have taken bold steps in supporting and participating at this year’s expo.
“Professional standards often supplement regulatory standards, or they can be an alternative to statutory regulatory standards where no statutory regulatory body exists,” Dr Moyo said.
The exhibition stands were testimony to an international trend of smart medical industry that is carrying on with the habit of improve the healthcare in Africa. There was emphasis on health development in third world countries amid calls to develop possible solutions to health challenges.
Turning to the cholera outbreak, the minister sympathised with the bereaved families and promised to bring an end to the epidemic.
“We managed to bring the spread of cholera under control although the sanitation control is still in process. We should not encounter any death if we stick to our mantra which states Cleanliness is next to Godliness. Zimbabwe shall be clean again. Further to that, we are acquiring knowledge and specialising on disaster management to improve our health” he said.
He was grateful for the regulatory standards and the existence of the statutory boards and also promised to continue with the good work which was left by his late mentor Dr. Timothy Stamps.
“I would like to thank the Harare City Council, medical suppliers and all the stakeholders in the fight against cholera. We would like more stakeholders to participate in the ninth edition of Zim Afro Medical and Health Expo in 2019.”
Amongst the the 32 stands at this years expo, minister Obadiah Moyo handed over the second award to Health Service Board (HBS) and the first prize to Optinova Eye Care.