Mnangagwa’s Health Minister Challenges Nurses To Return To Work – Eduzim News

Tinashe Sambiri– Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora has come under scrutiny after urging striking nurses to return to duty, amid growing frustration over poor salaries and deteriorating working conditions in Zimbabwe’s public health sector.

The appeal comes as nurses continue a three-day industrial action that began on Monday, 20 April, paralysing services at several major hospitals and exposing deepening tensions between health workers and government authorities.

At Sally Mugabe Hospital, nurses staged demonstrations before dispersing and leaving patients unattended, while at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, staff were seen gathering in small groups as ward activity sharply declined. Reports from the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) also confirmed protests at United Bulawayo Hospitals, where police were later called in to disperse striking workers.

The strike was triggered by what nurses describe as a “derisory US$30 salary increment” for April, far below earlier expectations of around US$600 following previous engagements with authorities.

The development has intensified anger among health workers, who accuse government of failing to honour earlier understandings on remuneration.

Despite the escalating crisis, Mombeshora urged nurses to abandon their industrial action, framing the call as necessary for dialogue.

“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,” Mombeshora said.

He added that government was already engaging on the matter. “Government recognises the importance of these concerns and reaffirms its commitment to continued engagement through the appropriate channels,” he said.

Mombeshora further announced that a meeting had been arranged between key health sector bodies. “In this regard, an extraordinary technical meeting has been convened between the Health Apex Panel and the Health Services Commission,” he said.

However, striking nurses remain unconvinced, arguing that repeated meetings have failed to translate into meaningful salary improvements or better working conditions.

Many have described the government’s response as reactive and disconnected from the realities on the ground.

The minister insisted that discussions were ongoing within “structured and responsible” frameworks. “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,” he said.

He also reaffirmed government’s position under President Emmerson Mnangagwa. “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,” Mombeshora said.

Despite this, health workers say their patience is wearing thin, arguing that repeated appeals to return to work without tangible solutions only worsen morale within an already strained health system.
Mombeshora concluded by calling for the suspension of the strike.

“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,” he said.

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