By Ngoni Clayton Marutsi.
Government urged to come up with an immediate mitigation plan to address the doctor’s strike. The doctors grievances include poor working conditions, shortages of drugs and sundries; and general doctor’s welfare.
Speaking at a press conference in Harare, the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) President Dr. Muzoremba said, “the triggers of the industrial action is the economic changes which have led to shortage of basic medical supplies and equipment which should always be available anytime in hospitals”.
Dr. Muzoremba said as an association we recognize the efforts made by the Minister of Health and Child Care to create a negotiating platform for their grievances to be addressed but there is no action, making the situation undesirable.
“Doctors really want to go back to work, they want to help their patients but they need equipment and medication which is not available in central hospitals. The shortage of drugs is also posing problems to health care workers who have knowledge, but knowledge alone cannot help patients. There should be a link of equipment, medication and workable measures to enable doctors to give out their best to patients” said Dr. Muzoremba.
The ZHDA Secretary General Dr. Mthabisi A Bhebhe said, “Our grievances are not new and have worsened due to the economic situation and fuel shortages which is affecting everyone and making it difficult for doctors to travel to and from hospitals”.
From the 1st of December 2018 junior doctors embarked on an industrial action demanding government to pay their salaries in foreign currency.
