Zimbabwe’s health workers, represented by the Health Apex Council (HAC), have threatened to go on a strike if the Health Service Commission (HSC) fails to address their concerns regarding “worthless salaries” and other grievances.
The strike is scheduled for February 29 to March 2.
In a letter written to the HSC, the health workers stated their inability to function effectively due to the “volatile economic environment,” characterized by factors like inflation, currency devaluation, and price inconsistencies.
They further highlighted the repeated efforts they made to bring these issues to the commission’s attention, claiming a lack of response.
The letter reads: “The health workers as an essential service are incapacitated by the volatile economic environment which is characterized by the loss of value of the ZWL, price disparities and distortions, hyperinflation. The health apex panel has on numerous occasions wrote to the employer highlighting the plight of health workers.
“Sadly, to this day nothing has materialized. Health workers are severely affected by the following reasons as already raised in the position paper:
1. Non engagement of health workers on remuneration and conditions of service.
2. exclusion of health workers on the April 2023 cost of living adjustment.
3. non review of health sector specific allowances.
4. very low basic salary, housing and transport allowances which are now less than USD 10 combined at the prevailing interbank market Health APEX Council
4. poor grading among health workers.
5. non benefiting from non-monetary incentives, no vehicle loan, review downwards of the vehicle rebate amounts.
6. non benefiting from PSMAS as a medical aid.
7. non availability of tools of trade i.e. equipment, medicines, and surgical supplies.
8. Exclusion of other health workers(non-medical) from health sector specific allowances”.
The HAC and the HSC are urged to reach a prompt resolution to prevent a strike and ensure the well-being of both healthcare workers and patients.
