Zimbabwe has announced a groundbreaking move to offer free emergency medical care to all road accident victims. In a bid to reduce fatalities and improve access to urgent treatment, the government will now ensure that anyone involved in a crash receives immediate care, regardless of their ability to pay.
Ambulances will be stationed at major tollgates and along key highways, enabling rapid response during those crucial first few minutes after a collision. The government has also mandated that designated hospital wards and emergency departments prioritize treating accident victims without delay or upfront fees.
Health officials say the new policy is grounded in the “golden hour” principle – ensuring victims receive medical attention within an hour of the incident greatly increases their chances of survival and recovery.
Zimbabwe has also formed a Road Accident Fund, backed by compulsory insurance coverage. This fund will pay for emergency care, medical treatment, rehabilitation, funeral expenses, and financial support for families who lose a breadwinner. It aims to remove the financial burden that often prevents accident victims from accessing prompt treatment.
To support these changes, the government is working closely with road authorities and health agencies amid an alarming trend of road carnage. Last year, thousands of accidents claimed hundreds of lives and left many more injured. Transport and health ministry officials say the free emergency care policy, coupled with dedicated ambulance services and hospital wards, is a key step in addressing this crisis.
Later this year, the government plans to expand the program, adding more ambulances and increasing capacity in medical facilities along high-risk routes. These moves reflect a broader effort to strengthen public safety, improve emergency preparedness, and ensure that no Zimbabwean should pay for life‑saving treatment at the scene of an accident.
