Zimbabwe govt pleads with striking nurses to return to work

Published: 3 hours ago

Zimbabwe's government has moved into urgent crisis management after a nationwide nurses' strike severely disrupted public hospitals, exposing deepening strains in the country's health sector.

Health Minister Douglas Mombeshora appealed for calm and called on striking health workers to return to duty while negotiations continue over pay and working conditions.

The industrial action, led by the Zimbabwe Nurses Association, has hit major referral hospitals across the country, including Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, and United Bulawayo Hospitals, leaving patients stranded and services severely reduced.

Speaking at a press briefing, Mombeshora said government acknowledges the concerns raised and is engaging through formal structures.

"The Ministry of Health and Child Care acknowledges concerns raised by the nurses' association… Government recognizes the importance of these concerns and reaffirms its commitment to continued engagement," he said.

He added that an extraordinary meeting had been convened between the Health Apex Panel and the Health Services Commission to review the grievances in a structured manner.

"The Ministry therefore appeals to health workers who have withdrawn their services to suspend the industrial action and allow space for constructive dialogue," he said.

The strike erupted after nurses reportedly received around US$30 for April salaries, a figure far below expectations of approximately US$600, sparking outrage among health workers already grappling with rising living costs.

ZINA said the payment was inadequate and failed to address long-standing concerns over pay erosion and poor working conditions.

At Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, nurses staged demonstrations before abandoning wards, while activity at Parirenyatwa sharply declined as staff withdrew services. In Bulawayo, protests were also reported at United Bulawayo Hospitals, where police were deployed to maintain order.

The job action follows weeks of stalled negotiations, including a 14-day notice and a subsequent 48-hour ultimatum issued by nurses before escalating to strike action after what they say were unfulfilled promises of meaningful salary adjustments.

Zimbabwe's health sector has long been under pressure, facing chronic shortages of staff, medicines and equipment. The situation is worsened by economic challenges, including high inflation and limited formal employment opportunities, which have driven many skilled health professionals to seek work abroad.

As talks continue, the strike has highlighted the fragility of public healthcare delivery and the urgency of resolving labour disputes in a system already under severe strain.
- newzimbabwe