Mpilo Hospital seeks new Chief Medical Officer

The Ministry of Health and Child Care has advertised several senior positions in its latest internal vacancy circulars, including the substantive post of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo. The vacancy arises following theretirement of Dr Narcisius Dzvanga, who concluded a long and distinguished career in public service on 25 December 2025. His departure marked the end of an era for the institution, where he served in various leadership capacities over many years.

According to HSC Vacancy Circular No. 6 of 2026, the Chief Medical Officer position is graded FL (1) and reports directly to the Permanent Secretary of the Health ministry. The successful candidate will be responsible for providing leadership and strategic vision to the organisation by making sure there is compliance with set standards and regulatory requirements.

Applicants for the post must possess a Degree in Medicine and Surgery, a Master of Medicine Degree or Fellowship in a clinical area, a valid Specialist Practicing Certificate with the Medical and Dental Practitioners Council of Zimbabwe (MDPCZ), with seven years’ experience and at least two years’ working experience at Director level. The critical competencies required include leadership, team coordination, strategic planning, organisational skills, review of management plans, communication skills, stakeholder engagement, interpersonal skills, and analytical abilities. Prospective candidates will be subjected to mandatory psychometric tests.

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Among those expected to throw their hat in the ring is the current acting Chief Medical Officer, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, who has been at the helm since Dr Dzvanga’s retirement at the end of 2025. Prof Ngwenya, who also serves as the hospital’s Clinical Director, assumed the acting role, and has since introduced practical reforms to uplift professionalism and accountability at the hospital. Sources within the hospital describe a renewed sense of purpose under his stewardship, with improvements in clinical governance.

However, concerns have been raised that the recruitment drive is designed to bring in junior candidates, with the minimum requirement set at just two years’ experience at director level. There are claims that Prof Ngwenya may once again be overlooked, with an external candidate appointed instead.

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