The Ministry of Health and Child Care today held the Annual Progress Review of its 5S-KAIZEN-TQM Quality Improvement programme at Rainbow Towers Hotel, Harare.
Delivering the Minister of Health and Child Care’s speech on his behalf, Dr Maxwell Hove, Chief Director of Curative Services in the MOHCC, said the project has transformed hospital operations and patient management.
“This project has seen a significant improvement within our healthcare facilities and hospitals. I want to extend my welcome to ministry officials and participants from all our hospitals who have made this significant stride in transforming patient management,” he said.
He emphasized that quality is critical for universal health coverage.
“The World Health Organization defines quality as the degree to which health services increase the likelihood of desired outcomes. With quality, we improve patient outcomes across our facilities,”Dr Hove added
Dr Hove also highlighted the cost-effectiveness of the project, contrasting it with traditional ISO standards.
“Chitungwiza Central Hospital was running ISO standards at a huge cost seven thousand US dollars per quarter. Yet, with Kaizen and 5S, you don’t need even a quarter of that amount to achieve the same results.
We are committed to keeping the fire burning on quality in our institutions,” he added
In his remarks, Acting Permanent Secretary for the MOHCC, Dr Raphael Makota assured stakeholders that the principles of the programme will continue to guide health institutions.
“I promise our JICA Japanese friends that though the project is coming to an end, using the information and expertise that we gathered, we are assuring that we will continue practicing this philosophy,” he said.
He added that the quality improvement practices implemented across hospitals will not be abandoned.
“The lessons learned, the systems we have put in place, and the experience gained will continue to shape how we manage patient care across our health facilities,”Dr Makota noted
Japannesse Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Nobutaka Maekawa urged Zimbabwean health officials to continue improving accountability and service delivery.
He said Japan remains committed to supporting the country’s public health sector.
“In this public health sector, facing challenges from infectious diseases, malaria, and other rising health concerns, we are encouraging initiatives that enhance responsibility and efficiency,” Ambassador Maekawa said
He also highlighted Japan’s prior assistance.
“The Government of Japan supported Zimbabwe’s COVID-19 response in 2020 and provided essential medical equipment in 2021 and 2022.
These assurances reflect our deep commitment to the health and well-being of the people of Zimbabwe,”he added
The 5S-KAIZEN-TQM programme was introduced in 2015 with support from the Government of Japan to improve hospital management, enhance efficiency, and promote continuous improvement in service delivery across public health facilities.
