Byo Residents Frown Upon Proposed 70-Year+ Age Limit for Free Healthcare in Amendment Bill

By Effort Moyo

Bulawayo residents raised numerous concerns yesterday over the proposed increase in the age requirement for free healthcare from 65 to 70 in the Medical Services Amendment Bill.

During a public hearing led by Zimbabwe’s Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care, chaired by Dr. Ruth Labode, residents expressed that the new age threshold in Section 82(b) of the bill would place a heavy financial burden on older citizens who are often financially vulnerable after retirement.

Ms. Thokozani Ncube, a concerned Bulawayo resident, argued that the age of 65 is more appropriate for free healthcare eligibility, as it aligns with the typical retirement age in Zimbabwe, when many citizens begin to rely on limited income.

“My concern is on the requirement age,which is 70 years,so it means that those who have retired and at the age of 65 earning little pension funds and should hustle for money for their treatment waiting to reach 70 years,you must consider the age of 65 years because people retire at that age”,said Ncube.

She urged the committee to keep the current age limit, emphasizing the economic difficulties faced by retirees.

Similarly, Mr. Douglas Sifuya, another resident, suggested that the age requirement be lowered further to 60, highlighting that many Zimbabweans may not live beyond 70. He argued that a lower age threshold for free healthcare would better serve citizens during a period when they are most vulnerable and need medical support.

“In Zimbabwe the retirement age was 60 years and if we look globally and you should look at the lifespan of the people, it is lucky to reach the age of 70 or by that time one would be dead before 70 or not being able to walk to the hospital, so the age should go down to 60”, said Mr Sifuya.

The hearing, part of a series conducted across the country, reflects the committee’s effort to gather diverse public input to shape a healthcare policy that is fair and responsive to the needs of all Zimbabweans.

Dr. Labode noted that perspectives from Bulawayo residents, alongside those from other communities, will be carefully considered in finalizing the Medical Services Amendment Bill.

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