adminLoveness Bepete Chronicle Reporter
STRIKING doctors have agreed in principle to go back to work following intense negotiations with the government. Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) media and publicity officer Francis Rwodzi said a deal has been reached during meetings for doctors to return to work but what is left is only a written undertaking from the government to cement the deal.
“There’s been an agreement in principle for doctors to go back to work. We’ve agreed in a meeting and what’s left is for a written agreement.
“We expect to possibly hold a press conference tomorrow (today) with the Ministry of Health and the Health Services Board on ending the strike,” said Rwodzi last night.
He said their employer had agreed to review on-call allowances from 35 cents to $10 per hour.
He added that there has been an agreement on the risk allowances and the government was working on the modalities.
Rwodzi applauded the association together with the employer for engaging in progressive negotiations.
“Negotiations have been vigorous and exhaustive. We’re glad they’ve been very progressive,” he said.
Rwodzi said doctors were ready to go back to work “any second from now” if the government produces a written agreement document following the discussions.
Last night, the ZHDA and the Minister of Health and Childcare Dr David Parirenyatwa were said to be in a meeting finalising the issue.
The Deputy Minister of Health and Childcare Paul Chimedza said by today everything will be resolved.
“We will be done by tomorrow (today) and everything will be put on the table,” said Dr Chimedza.
About 400 doctors have not been reporting for work since the strike started on October 27.
Army and police doctors have been seconded to public health institutions in a bid to avert a major crisis due to the industrial action.
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