The government is considering a proposal by health workers to increase health-specific and risk allowances in line with prevailing economic conditions and available fiscal space, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora has said.
He said the proposed package is meant to cushion health workers against current economic challenges and is being handled jointly by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.
Responding to questions in the National Assembly on measures being taken to address concerns raised by health workers employed in public health facilities, Mombeshora said:
“The Government is further evaluating a submission made by the health workers to increase health-specific and risk allowances applicable to health workers according to prevailing economic conditions and available fiscal space.”
He said any adjustments to salaries and allowances are processed through the Bipartite Negotiation Panel, the recognised platform for engagement between the government and health workers.
Mombeshora said discussions had already taken place between the Health Services Commission and health workers, resulting in revised proposals that are now moving through the relevant government ministries.
He said transport costs were also being considered as part of the broader package. He was responding to Mbizo MP Corban Madzivanyika (CCC), who said health workers had repeatedly raised concerns over the inadequacy of the current transport allowance.
More: The Sunday Mail
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