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China Exim Bank

Paidamoyo Chipunza Health Reporter
Zimbabwe’s public health delivery system is geared for greater heights following the procurement of new equipment under a US$89,8 million loan from China Exim Bank, Health and Child Care Acting Secretary Dr Christopher Tapfumaneyi has said.
Speaking during President Mugabe’s visit to the previously conjoined Murehwa twin boys — Tapiwanashe and Kupakwashe — yesterday, Dr Tapfumaneyi said some of the equipment was already in the country and would be unveiled soon.

“Our doctors have done us proud and we hope this beacon will be lighted much brighter as we will be doing many things that we have been constrained from doing due to lack of resources,” Dr Tapfumaneyi said.

He said some of the equipment bought under the loan had since been installed in theatres and laboratories of different health institutions across the country, while others were on their way.

The loan agreement was signed at the beginning of September 2012 and is one of the three deals worth US$271 million extended to the Government by China Exim Bank.

The loan will attract a 2 percent interest rate and 0,5 percent management and commissioning rates payable over 20 years and has a grace period of five years.

Zimbabwe’s public health system was characterised by ageing equipment and frequent breakdowns.