adminHerald Reporter
Government has asked doctors in the uniformed forces to provide relief services at public hospitals as a temporary measure due to alleviate the effects of the on-going strike by civilian doctors.
Health Services Board public relations executive, Mr Nyasha Maravanyika, on Wednesday said permanent secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Retired Brigadier-General Gerald Gwinji had written letters to the Zimbabwe National Army, the Airforce of Zimbabwe and the Zimbabwe Republic Police for their doctors to assist at public hospitals to avoid unnecessary loss of life.
He said doctors from the uniformed forces were expected to start work in hospitals anytime soon.
Doctors from Government hospitals went on strike on Monday last week over poor salaries and working conditions.
The doctors are demanding an upward review of their salaries from the current $282 to $1 200 per month.
They also want an increase in their housing allowance from $250 to $350 a month and a facility where they can purchase cars duty free.
Although the striking doctors were promised a new on-call allowance of $10 an hour from the current 35 cents and the Health Services Board had introduced a risk allowance for diseases such as Ebola, tuberculosis and HIV and Aids, they would only get a written commitment after the national budget presentation, expected later this month.
The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association on Tuesday said they held a routine meeting with their employer over the allowances and when they would receive a written commitment.
The meeting did not bear fruit as ZHDA secretary general Dr Farai Makoni said on-going negotiations had broken down as there were no commitments as yet by Health Services Board as to when they would receive allowances.
The striking doctors have since appealed to President Mugabe to intervene in the impasse.
Online Reporter