Fired doctors told to re-apply for re-admission

Joseph Madzimure/Paidamoyo Chipunza, Harare Bureau

FIRED doctors who wish to resume serving in the public health sector must re-apply for Government to review its earlier decision to dismiss them.

To date, 435 doctors have been fired for illegally withdrawing their labour, with 43 more yet to appear before disciplinary tribunals.

The re-applications are in line with the law and allow Government to revisit the doctors’ contracts, but it is not granted that everyone will be re-instated. 

The re-application process does not affect parallel negotiations between Government, junior and senior doctors, which have already yielded positive results, with some of them expressing willingness to return to work.

A total of 523 doctors were served with charge letters following the industrial action which has now gone past 77 days, as they continue to press for US dollar pegged salaries.

Most of them failed to attend disciplinary hearings, resulting in them being sacked in absentia.

 Speaking during a Cabinet briefing in Harare yesterday, Acting Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Minister Mangaliso Ndlovu said: “Turning to hospital doctors, a total of 480 disciplinary cases have so far been heard. 

“An additional 149 doctors were found guilty and discharged, bringing the cumulative total of the doctors discharged to 435.

“Cabinet was informed of a meeting which was held on 15th November, 2019 between the Minister of Health and Child Care and representatives from the Senior and Junior Doctors’ Association. While positive strides were made at the meeting, with some doctors showing a willingness to return to work, Cabinet has resolved that those doctors already discharged have to apply for re-admission. Government will not rescind its position on the fired doctors.” 

Regarding accommodation provision for health services personnel, Minister Ndlovu said the Minister of National Housing and Social Amenities informed Cabinet that his Ministry was seized with a housing programme to complement accommodation for health workers.