Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora has urged striking nurses to return to duty to pave the way for what he termed “constructive dialogue”.
The appeal follows the launch of a three-day industrial action by nurses on Monday, 20 April, in protest over poor remuneration and working conditions, a move that has disrupted services at several major public hospitals.
At Sally Mugabe Hospital, nurses staged demonstrations earlier in the day before dispersing and returning home, leaving patients in a state of uncertainty.
Meanwhile, at Parirenyatwa Hospital, some nurses were observed gathering in small groups, keeping a low profile, as activity across the wards declined markedly.
Reports from the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) indicate that nurses at United Bulawayo Hospitals also took part in protests, with police later called in to disperse the gathering.
The strike comes in the wake of what nurses have described as a derisory US$30 salary increment for April, well below their expectations of earnings closer to US$600 per month.
ZINA had served notice on the government, through the Health Services Commission (HSC), outlining their grievances over remuneration, with the industrial action initially slated for 15 April.
Following engagements in which authorities reportedly undertook to raise salaries to around US$600, nurses say they were dismayed to receive only a modest increase, paid in local currency on 14 April.
This development prompted the union to press ahead with the strike after issuing a fresh 48-hour notice.
In a statement released late on Monday, Mombeshora announced that an extraordinary technical meeting had been convened between the Health Apex Council and the Health Services Commission to address the nurses’ concerns.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care acknowledges receipt of the concerns raised by nurses’ representatives through the Zimbabwe Nurses Association following reports of withdrawal of services at some isolated health institutions,” said Mombeshora.
“Government recognises the importance of these concerns and reaffirms its commitment to continued engagement through the appropriate channels.
“In this regard, an extraordinary technical meeting has been convened between the Health Apex Panel and the Health Services Commission.
“Nonetheless, processes are underway to review the concerns in a structured and responsible manner, guided by the need to balance the delivery of critical health services with the welfare of health workers.
“The Government of Zimbabwe, led by His Excellency Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, remains committed to addressing issues that affect the well-being of its citizens.
“The Ministry, therefore, appeals to these health workers who have withdrawn their services to suspend the industrial action and allow space for constructive dialogue and orderly engagement in the best interests of the patients and the nation at large.”
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