Zimbabwe: Doctors launch nationwide strike on December 1

Event

The Doctors National Committee issued a statement on Friday, November 30, announcing that doctors across Zimbabwe will strike starting on Saturday, December 1. According to the statement, the government has failed to address their concerns and demands that have been raised since late October. The doctors claim that low salaries, a lack of basic health material in state hospitals, and increasing fuel costs have severely hindered their ability to provide adequate services. As of Saturday, it is unclear if the strike is indefinite but it is possible that the doctors will not resume working until an agreement is reached with the government.

Context

Junior doctors and nurses went on strike in early 2018 over similar concerns, causing significant disruptions to medical services across the country.

Advice

Individuals present in Zimbabwe, including in Harare, are advised to confirm doctor's appointments, to anticipate longer waiting times in medical facilities for the duration of the strike, and to avoid any potential protests.