Zimbabwe: striking doctors hope to return to work

The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) announced on Thursday that it was now time for the government and doctors to enter discussions, giving hope to hundreds of junior doctors on strike over salaries and working conditions.

The strike started in September 2019, with doctors demanding that their salaries be pegged to the US dollar and that the government invest in better equipment and more medicines. In response the government dismissed over 400 doctors, only 46 of whom were allowed to return to work. 

Speaking on Thursday, the ZHDA admitted that 2019 had been a “tough year for the entire profession”. The association remains hopeful that a solution is achievable. 

"2020 is the year that as the ZHDA, we are hopeful that a solution will be finally found through dialogue and continuous engagement with all interested stakeholders”, a spokesperson said. 

Last month junior doctors rejected an offer made by the billionaire founder of Econet Strive Masiyiwa to give each doctor a $5000 monthly incentive, free transport and lunch for six months in return for coming back to work. The offer was made through Masiwa’s philanthropic organisation, the Highlife Foundation.

In the meantime the government has stated that it will be recruiting doctors from China and Cuba in order to make up the shortfall left by the striking doctors. 

Photo credit: Reuters | Siphiwe Sibeko