CIOs deployed as nurses defy return-to-work order

Published: 22 April 2026

State security agents were deployed to several government hospitals on Tuesday as striking nurses defied a directive to resume duty while negotiations with authorities continue.

The operation reportedly targeted referral, provincial and district hospitals across the country, amid allegations of intimidation against health workers who joined a nationwide job action called by the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA).

The nurses began a three-day industrial action on Monday, citing poor remuneration and deteriorating working conditions. The strike is scheduled to end today.

Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora had earlier urged nurses to return to work while dialogue processes were underway to address their grievances.

However, many nurses defied the directive, leaving several public hospitals operating with reduced staff. A survey at major institutions such as Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital showed widespread absenteeism, with wards largely staffed by student and probationary nurses.

ZINA has raised concerns over chronic staff shortages, with nurse-to-patient ratios reportedly reaching as high as 1:20 or 1:30 in some wards, far above recommended standards.

Other grievances include demands for improved salaries indexed to the US dollar, reinstatement of locum arrangements, and the recruitment of additional staff to ease pressure on the health system. Nurses have also protested deductions for government accommodation, reportedly up to US$120 per month, as well as long and irregular working hours.

Some health workers have reportedly begun seeking release from service bonds to pursue employment opportunities outside Zimbabwe.

In its situation report, ZINA said participation in the industrial action was strong across central, provincial and district hospitals, though it noted alleged intimidation in some areas, including Gweru and Chinhoyi provincial hospitals.

"The association strongly condemns any form of intimidation or coercion that undermines workers' constitutional and legal right to participate in lawful industrial action," ZINA said.

ZINA president Enock Dongo said participation had increased compared to the first day of the strike.

"We are not worried about intimidation. What we are doing is lawful and no amount of intimidation will stop us," he said.

He added that student nurses had been deployed to maintain critical services in some hospitals.

Officials from the Health Service Commission have reportedly engaged ZINA leadership for technical discussions aimed at resolving the dispute.

The strike highlights deepening tensions in the public health sector, with concerns mounting over staffing shortages and the sustainability of service delivery in government hospitals.
- newsday

Tags: CIO,