Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Sunday Mail Correspondent
THE Government is currently considering a submission made by health workers to increase health-specific and risk allowances in line with prevailing economic conditions and available fiscal space.
This was said by Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora in the National Assembly while responding to questions on measures being taken to address the concerns of nursing staff.
The proposed package seeks to cushion health workers against prevailing economic challenges and is being handled jointly by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.
“The Government is further evaluating a submission made by the health workers to increase health-specific and risk allowances applicable to health workers according to prevailing economic conditions and available fiscal space,” Dr Mombeshora said.
He said any adjustments to salaries and allowances are processed through the Bipartite Negotiation Panel (BNP), the recognised platform for engagement between the Government and health workers.
Dr Mombeshora said discussions had already taken place between the Health Service Commission and health workers, resulting in revised proposals that are now moving through the relevant Government ministries.
Dr Mombeshora revealed that the Government recently undertook a payroll audit to address administrative challenges that emerged following the migration of health workers to a new grading system.
The grading structure was introduced after a job evaluation.
The issue of transport allowances also featured prominently during the Parliamentary debate, with legislators arguing that existing rates no longer reflect prevailing transport costs.
Mbizo Constituency Member of Parliament Mr Corban Madzivanyika said health workers had repeatedly raised concerns over the inadequacy of the current transport allowance.
Responding to the concerns, Dr Mombeshora said transport costs were being considered as part of the broader package.
He assured Parliament that Government remained committed to addressing legitimate concerns raised by health workers through the appropriate legal and institutional channels.
Government intends to strengthen the health sector by improving staff welfare and retention, while balancing the demands of fiscal sustainability and the need to maintain quality healthcare services across the country.
