Published: 3 hours ago

The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) has warned the government that continued neglect of nurses' welfare could lead to widespread discontent and a renewed wave of health worker migration, further crippling the country's public healthcare system.

Speaking at the association's annual general meeting held in Masvingo recently, ZINA president Enock Dongo urged authorities to prioritise meaningful salary reviews and improved working conditions to retain skilled professionals and prevent labour unrest.

"Our covenant is that we do not engage in strike. Strike is the last resort. We should not be pushed to that limit," Dongo said, addressing Deputy Minister of Health and Child Welfare Sleiman Kwidini, who attended the meeting. "When you hear us complaining, it is so that nurses receive meaningful salaries. If they get enough salaries, they forget about going on strike."

Health professionals across Zimbabwe have for years decried low pay, inadequate equipment, and poor infrastructure, leading to declining morale and mass resignations. Many have opted to leave the country in search of better opportunities abroad.

According to Dongo, more than 4,000 nurses have applied for verification letters-a requirement to work outside Zimbabwe-amid growing frustration over stagnating wages and deteriorating working conditions.

However, Dongo criticised the Ministry of Health and Child Welfare for allegedly withholding these letters, a move he described as unlawful and unjust.

"The issue of verification, which was supposed to be handled by the Nurses Council, is now being controlled by the Ministry. Legally, the Ministry does not have the power to withhold a letter of good standing, but it is still doing that," he said. "We have more than 4,000 verification applications by nurses because of poor working conditions and salaries."

Despite the growing urge to migrate, Dongo maintained that most nurses remain patriotic and committed to serving Zimbabwe if the government addresses their concerns.

"We do not even aim to go outside the country. All the nurses here are very patriotic," he added.

The remarks come at a time when Zimbabwe's public hospitals continue to grapple with staff shortages and an increasing workload for the remaining medical personnel, prompting fears of further strain on the country's already fragile healthcare system.
- online

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