Zimbabwe: Doctors’ strike continues March 21 /update 1

Event

The Zimbabwean doctors' strike continued on Wednesday, March 21, despite a government offer to increase allowances for on-call doctors by 50 percent (from USD 1.50 to USD 2.25) and statement expressing their expectation that the doctors return to work. Moreover, according to the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors' Association (ZHDA), the government has not shown a commitment to addressing the doctors' demands. Continued medical service disruptions are expected Zimbabwe in the near-term until the striking doctors and the government reach an agreement.

Context

Junior doctors in Harare started a strike on March 1, impacting services at the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, Mpilo Central Hospital, United Bulawayo Hospitals, Harare Central Hospital, and the Chitungwiza Central Hospital. On March 13, a spokesman for the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) announced an indefinite nationwide strike at public hospitals. The ZHDA represents over 1000 doctors, who have refused to return to work until the government meets their demands for better pay and working conditions.

Junior doctors are demanding an increase in pay from USD 1.50 to USD 10.00 and an increase in vehicle loans available from the government; they are also protesting a lack of medical equipment and drugs at hospitals. Additionally, ZHDA officials are asking for the government to implement an increase in allowances for on-call doctors that was agreed upon in 2014.

Advice

Individuals present in Zimbabwe, particularly 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.