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Mnangagwa\u2019s Health Minister Challenges Nurses To Return To Work<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
Tinashe Sambiri\u2013 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\u2019s public health sector.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The strike was triggered by what nurses describe as a \u201cderisory US$30 salary increment\u201d for April, far below earlier expectations of around US$600 following previous engagements with authorities.<\/p>\n
The development has intensified anger among health workers, who accuse government of failing to honour earlier understandings on remuneration.<\/p>\n
Despite the escalating crisis, Mombeshora urged nurses to abandon their industrial action, framing the call as necessary for dialogue.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Ministry of Health and Child Care acknowledges receipt of the concerns raised by nurses\u2019 representatives through the Zimbabwe Nurses Association following reports of withdrawal of services at some isolated health institutions,\u201d Mombeshora said.<\/p>\n
He added that government was already engaging on the matter. \u201cGovernment recognises the importance of these concerns and reaffirms its commitment to continued engagement through the appropriate channels,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Mombeshora further announced that a meeting had been arranged between key health sector bodies. \u201cIn this regard, an extraordinary technical meeting has been convened between the Health Apex Panel and the Health Services Commission,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
However, striking nurses remain unconvinced, arguing that repeated meetings have failed to translate into meaningful salary improvements or better working conditions.<\/p>\n
Many have described the government\u2019s response as reactive and disconnected from the realities on the ground.<\/p>\n
The minister insisted that discussions were ongoing within \u201cstructured and responsible\u201d frameworks. \u201cNonetheless, 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He also reaffirmed government\u2019s position under President Emmerson Mnangagwa. \u201cThe Government of Zimbabwe, led by His Excellency Dr E.D. Mnangagwa, remains committed to addressing issues that affect the well-being of its citizens,\u201d Mombeshora said.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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