HEALTHCARE SYSTEM UNDERGOES RESTRUCTURING The Second Republic has announced that a wide range of reforms to transform the health sector are in the pipeline. Government has also okayed the implementation of sound health standards through the introduction of systems that work in the national interests. President E.D Mnangagwa is taking a leading role in ensuring that access to affordable and quality healthcare remains a priority. Highlighting Vice President Constantine Chiwenga's submissions during the post cabinet briefing, Senator Monica Mutsvangwa said that much focus is pinned on four pillars in the health delivery. These are Pharmaceuticals and Biopharmaceuticals with emphasis on product manufacturing and Biomedical Engineering which will be targeting the manufacturing of ventilators, hospital beds as well as other essential equipment, Biomedical Science and Laboratory Science through incorporating research on pathogens and the manufacturing of consumables such as reagents and Public Health Strategy and Guidelines Formulation. The revamping of the Health System is expected to result in robust medical services. In order to curtail the spike in infections, Senator Mutsvangwa said that Zimbabwe requires a more robust testing regime. In this regard, the Ministry of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation Science and Technology Development, through the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), was directed to work on the production of PCR Primers and Viral Transport media. To strengthen the National COVID-19 response, Senator Mutsvangwa said that a Technical Steering Committee of experts from all the sectors involved in the response will be constituted. The team will have clearly defined terms of reference whilst the COVID-19 response is to be merged into a single response plan comprising of the Command Centre, Office of the COVID-19 Chief Coordinator and Ministry of Health and Child Care.