Zimbabwe Deploys Sugar Tax Revenue to Procure Radiotherapy Equipment

Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube authorized the deployment of US$27 million generated from Zimbabwe's controversial sugar tax to install new radiotherapy machines at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals. The treasury chief toured the medical facility on Tuesday to inspect the ongoing installation process, marking the first major capital expenditure funded by the levy [Daily News, NewZimbabwe]. The government implemented the sugar tax earlier this year amid fierce resistance from beverage manufacturers who warned of severe retail price inflation. Harare defended the fiscal policy as a necessary mechanism to ring-fence funding for a collapsing public health sector that left hundreds of oncology patients without care. The health ministry must now secure specialized technicians to operate and maintain the advanced oncology equipment. Without sustained funding for maintenance contracts, the state risks allowing these multi-million-dollar machines to fall into disrepair.