Ministry of Health to re-introduce Locum, on call allowances

THE Ministry of Health and Child Care will soon re-introduce Locum and on-call allowances for public health workers in an effort to retain staff in the sector.
Addressing United Bulawayo Hospitals management and sisters in charge at the hospital boardroom Wednesday, Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini, a qualified nurse who trained in the institution, said the Government was committed to improve the welfare of health personnel.
“As a Ministry, we will be reintroducing locum and on-call allowances. We believe it will help motivate and retain our staff. We will also make sure that these allowances are paid timeously,” said Dep Minister Kwidini.
A locum is a person who temporarily fills a position, usually in a professional or medical context. Locums are often used to cover staff shortages, maternity leave, or other absences.
In the medical field, locum doctors or nurses provide temporary medical care to patients, often in hospitals, clinics, or general practices. Locums can also be found in other industries, such as law, education, or business, where they may provide temporary support or cover for a specific role.
The benefits of hiring a locum include flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to maintain continuity of service during periods of staff shortage.