Zimbabwe: Doctors launch indefinite strike in Harare March 12

Event

Senior doctors and medical staff at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare launched an indefinite strike on Tuesday, March 12, to protest a lack of medicine and supplies at the hospital. Dozens of medical workers demonstrated outside the hospital on Wednesday, March 13, and sent a letter to the health minister, stating that they will only be able to offer emergency services until the situation normalizes. According to the doctors, the government has failed to address their grievances following negotiations that ended a strike in December 2018 by junior medical staff. Further associated protests are possible in the coming days and weeks if the strike continues. Disruptions to medical services in Harare, and Zimbabwe more generally, are also expected to continue for the duration of the strike.

Context

The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association (ZHDA) launched a strike on December 1, 2018, claiming 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. 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, particularly in Harare, are advised to confirm doctor's appointments, to anticipate long waiting times in medical facilities, and to avoid any potential protests.