adminSenior Post Reporter
DOCTORS in Manicaland on Tuesday joined in the strike over poor salaries and working conditions — leaving a discernible dent in the province’s health delivery system.
The move by doctors in Mutare, Rusape, Chipinge, Nyanga, Chimanimani, Buhera and Rusape was despite an appeal by Government on Monday for their striking counterparts in Harare and Bulawayo to return to work while their grievances are being looked into.
Striking doctors are demanding a monthly salary of $1 200 up from $282, a facility for them to import cars duty-free and a housing allowance of $350.
Mutare Provincial Hospital was attending to emergencies only – with army doctors on standby.
Provincial Medical Director for Manicaland, Dr Patron Mafaune, was tight-lipped on the developments and referred the matter to the Health and Child Care Minister, Dr. David Parirenyatwa.
“I am not allowed to comment on the issue as it is being handled at ministerial level. It is beyond my delegated authority,” said Dr Mafaune.
The Manica Post understands that doctors from the Zimbabwe National Army were on standby.
Dr. Claude Mapepa confirmed the development saying he was in constant touch with authorities at the provincial referral hospital.
“Personally I have not visited the hospital, but I am in constant touch with the Medical Superintendent and that depends on what we would have agreed. I may visit the hospital tomorrow (Thursday),” said Dr. Mapepa.
Most patients have resorted to council clinics for treatment with a few going to the more expensive private hospitals.
The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) said in a statement on Tuesday that doctors at provincial and district hospitals joined the strike due to the inability of Government to resolve their grievances.
Online Reporter