The Sunday News
Sharon Munjenjema, Harare Bureau
DOCTORS have continued with their job action but are now optimistic they will return to work after the latest round of talks with Government on Friday.
Although Government has progressively reviewed its offer, the medical practitioners still insist that they should either be paid in US dollars or get a remuneration that is indexed to the greenback. However, for the first time in the past three months, the doctors have signalled that the discussions are “going well”.
“This was the third meeting in seven days. We met with the Minister (of Health and Child Care Dr Obadiah Moyo) and the permanent secretary (Dr Agnes Mahomva). We are continuously dialoguing and it is going well; we are hopeful,” said Dr Tawanda Zvakada, the secretary-general of the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA). We gave them our minimum expectations and they said they will relay back to us. More details from our negotiations will come through a joint statement from us and the ministry, because we have agreed to speak with one voice from now and not give conflicting statements to the media.”
Three hundred and forty-six doctors have been dismissed so far for disobeying a Labour Court order instructing them to go back to work while negotiations continue. The doctors were summoned before disciplinary tribunals at their respective work stations, but the majority did not show up and default judgements were passed. It has since been established that disciplinary hearings at provincial hospitals will begin this week.
Health Service Board (HSB) chairperson Dr Paulinus Sikhosana said 55 doctors are expected to appear before the tribunals.
Minister Moyo has reiterated Government’s intention to review conditions of service for junior doctors. He said special focus has been given to addressing their transport and accommodation challenges. A process of identifying flats to house them is reportedly underway.
The health sector received the second biggest budget vote — $6,5 billion — from the 2020 Budget last week. Funds will be used for health infrastructure, personnel welfare, medicines, drugs and sundries, among other essential hospital equipment and necessities.
