Government will, in January, establish management working boards at all the country's provincial and district hospitals. This follows the successful establishment of such boards at all central hospitals since

2005 aimed at improving accountability in the handling of health funds and improving the health delivery system.

Health and Child Welfare Minister Henry Madzorera yesterday said establishment of the boards was in accordance with the Health Services Act.

"The Statutory Instrument compelling establishment of management boards at hospitals has been in force since 2005. I confirm that all central hospitals now have the boards, and only provincial and district hospitals are still outstanding," said Dr Madzorera.

He bemoaned financial constraints as having attributed to the delay, but gave reassurance that the boards would eventually be put in place.

Five major Government referral hospitals in the country - United Bulawayo Hospitals and Mpilo Central in Bulawayo, Parirenyatwa and Harare Central in the capital and Chitungwiza Hospital - have management boards.

The Health and Child Welfare ministry has already appointed a seven-member management board for Gweru provincial hospital.