Zimbabwe: Doctors begin nationwide strike September 3

Event

The Zimbabwean Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) issued a statement on Friday, August 30, announcing that doctors across Zimbabwe will strike for an indefinite period starting on Tuesday, September 3. The doctors claim that low salaries, inflation, increasing fuel costs and a lack of basic health materials in state hospitals have severely hindered their ability to provide adequate services and afford going to work. ZHDA president warned the strike would go on until a satisfactory agreement is reached.

Associated protests are possible in the coming days and weeks. Disruptions to medical services in Harare, and Zimbabwe more generally, are also expected for the duration of the strike.

Context

Current salaries for doctors have been reduced to less than 10 percent of their original values following high inflation. In December 2018, doctors from public hospitals went on a 40-day strike on similar concerns, causing significant disruptions to medical services across the country. Over the last few decades Zimbabwe's health system has collapsed along with the economy, with recurrent shortage in fuel and medicine.

Advice

Individuals in Zimbabwe, and especially 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.