Published: 1 hour ago

The Government has announced plans to decentralise forensic post-mortem examinations following the recruitment of three forensic pathologists from Cuba, a development expected to ease Zimbabwe's long-standing challenges in handling specialised post-mortems.

Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora told Parliament on Wednesday that the country had been operating with only one qualified forensic pathologist, creating serious difficulties in providing adequate services nationwide.

"Of late, there have been challenges with post-mortems, especially forensic," Dr Mombeshora said. "These specialised procedures are conducted by forensic pathologists who possess distinct training and expertise beyond that of general pathologists. Unfortunately, we have only had one such specialist in the entire country."

This shortage had forced families to transport bodies to major hospitals in Harare and Bulawayo — including Sally Mugabe, Parirenyatwa, Chitungwiza, Mpilo and United Bulawayo Hospitals — where the lone expert alternated between the two cities.

Dr Mombeshora confirmed that the three Cuban specialists assumed duty on October 1, 2025, and will now help expand services to other provincial hospitals with the required equipment.

"The arrival of the three new forensic pathologists will make their job much easier and allow examinations to be carried out beyond Harare and Bulawayo," he said.

The move is expected to reduce delays, ease the burden on families, and improve access to justice in cases where forensic post-mortems are crucial for investigations.
- The Herald