Talks fail to end Zimbabwe health workers' strike

Public health workers in Zimbabwe are into their second day of strikes after mediation talks called by the government ended in an impasse, union leaders said.

Low wages and poor working conditions are among the reasons for the strike, which was called by the umbrella group Health Apex Council.

The strike was partially observed, with reports of longer patient waiting times.

In a notice to members, the group’s leader Tapiwa Kusotera said the government’s Health Services Board (HSB) had on Monday called for an urgent negotiation meeting, but that it did not provide any solutions to the workers' grievances.

The board is yet to respond to the BBC's request for a comment.

Health workers last week rejected the government’s 100% wage increase offer, saying it was below the current inflation rate of 131.7%.

One nurse told the BBC that she earns 23,000 Zimbabwean dollars ($60; £49) a month. Even with a special Covid allowance of $175, most workers earn well below the living wage, she said.

Mr Kusotera told the BBC that the strike was not just about money but about the conditions of service, adding that most workers were demoralised but couldn’t leave after the government blocked the issuance of certificates that would allow them to seek work in private sector and abroad.

Government health facilities are under-equipped and often run out of basics such as paracetamol. Surgeons sometimes ask patients to buy their own sutures so operations can be performed, Mr Kusotera told the BBC.

"We often say amongst ourselves that our government loves roads more than it loves its hospitals."

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: AFP