The City of Harare is seeking private companies and organisations to provide ultrasound scan (USS) services at council clinics under a proposed public-private partnership aimed at improving access to diagnostic and maternal healthcare.
In a statement, recently, the local authority said it was already providing ultrasound services but wanted private operators to complement its capacity as it works to strengthen in-house provision.
“The City is currently providing this service but would like to complement the service with private service providers as it builds capacity to offer the service in-house,” the council said.
Private providers will lease space at council polyclinics, with the local authority retaining oversight of the service, including determining operating clinics and hours and supervising operations.
Providers will be required to offer the service when necessary and supply their own consumables.
Affordability will be a key consideration, with the council retaining the power to regulate charges.
“The City would like to keep this service affordable to the residents, hence the city reserves the right to fix maximum rates for scans” the notice said.
Under the proposed arrangement, providers will only be required to offer the service when necessary and will be responsible for supplying all consumables.
Harare City Council will provide suitable space at designated clinics at an agreed rental or lease fee, while covering room overheads such as water and electricity.
It will also determine the clinics where the services will be offered and the operating times, as well as supervise the service.
The arrangement is expected to widen access to ultrasound services, particularly for residents who rely on council health facilities for maternal and other diagnostic care.
Private providers interested in participating must submit company profiles, tax clearance certificates, business licences and proof of council rates clearance and provide proof of registration with the Health Professions Authority of Zimbabwe for both the company and its employees.
The initiative reflects Harare’s efforts to expand access to affordable diagnostic services by leveraging private-sector capacity while strengthening service delivery, regulatory oversight and affordability across council health facilities.
