Telecoms magnate Strive Masiyiwa has given an update on the fellowship fund for Zimbabwe’s junior doctors who have been incapacitated for three months. Writing on his Facebook page, he said:
Strive Masiyiwa #Update on Fellowship fund for Zimbabwe doctors:
Zimbabwe’s public sector doctors, currently earn about Z$2800, which has been devastated by hyperinflation. They downed tools in September.
In a bid to help break the impasse and get urgently needed medical help to the sick and injured in society, our foundation made the following offer:
#$100m to be distributed to the doctors over 6 months, as follows:
Each doctor to get $5000pm (tax free);
Free transport valued at $1500 pm;
$10m to help doctors with personal equipment, and protective clothing.All this money is over and above whatever they receive from the government once they reach an agreement.
We asked each doctor who is interested to apply directly by 5 pm last night. We had so many applications that we had to extend the time to 10 pm.
Information on Applicants will not be released to any third party, in keeping with the foundation’s policies. Those who were successful will be informed directly.
I have also directed Vaya to offer Free transport to every nurse that applies, for the next six months. This is worth over $900 per person, per month …these are gestures of goodwill.
I have also asked our partners who worked with us on Cyclone Idai to set up a special fundraising initiative to help doctors, nurses and other health care workers in Zimbabwe. It will be announced in a matter of days. Anyone will be able to make donations to this fund.
I’m hoping that churches will join this initiative, and bring whatever they can, to help our healthcare workers, particularly over the holiday season.
It is my hope that the doctors, and their employer, the government, will reach an amicable agreement shortly. We have no part in this process, and our people are under strict instructions not to be involved.
No matter what they agree, I will meet my commitment to those who applied and qualified.
Thank you Strive, becareful not to be dragged in to political aspect of charity.
These Doctors that are rejectin x 5 of what they are currently earning
One would have thought that this is a good deal to accept. Surely common sense will prevail. Thanks brother Masiiwa.
That adds up to less than 300 usd per month for professional health care givers,a pathetic offer.
I think gvt should feel challenged if a single individual can do this generous offer , they should make a plan to look for the money ,where they get to charter those expensive private jets, sir masiyiwa can’t be reacher than the whole of Zimbabwe though his the richest man