Government Moves to Resolve Nurses Strike with Emergency Talks
The Government of Zimbabwe has initiated urgent high-level talks aimed at ending the ongoing industrial action by nurses, which has begun to strain services across public health institutions.
The intervention comes amid rising concern over patient care and the stability of the healthcare system.
Health and Child Care Minister, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, confirmed that an extraordinary meeting has been convened between key health bodies to address the standoff and restore normal operations.
Also Read: Watch: Nurses’ protests escalate at UBH in Bulawayo
Emergency Talks Convened
According to the Minister, the meeting brings together the Health Apex Panel and the Health Services Commission to engage on grievances raised by nurses.
“Government recognises the importance of these concerns and reaffirms its commitment to continued engagement through the appropriate channels.
“In this regard, an extraordinary technical meeting has been convened between the Health Apex Panel and the Health Service Commission,” said Dr Mombeshora.
He noted that the discussions are designed to provide a structured platform for resolving disputes while ensuring that critical healthcare services remain functional.
Nurses Cite Pay and Working Conditions
The industrial action has affected services in public hospitals and clinics, with nurses raising concerns over poor remuneration and challenging working conditions.
The Zimbabwe Nurses Association has highlighted key issues including low salaries, staff shortages and limited access to essential medical supplies, all of which have contributed to the unrest.
Call for Dialogue and Service Resumption
Dr Mombeshora urged striking nurses to return to work and allow negotiations to proceed.
“The Ministry, therefore, appeals to those health workers who have withdrawn their services to suspend the industrial action and allow space for constructive dialogue and orderly engagement, in the best interests of patients and the nation at large,” he said.
He added that authorities are working to balance the welfare of healthcare workers with the need to maintain uninterrupted medical services.
Government Points to Ongoing Reforms
Government says it remains committed to improving conditions for health workers, citing a range of measures introduced in recent years.
These include non-monetary incentives such as duty-free vehicle imports, as well as access to housing and residential stands. Authorities have also begun implementing a revised salary structure for civil servants this month, with adjusted earnings expected to improve livelihoods.
The reforms form part of broader efforts to stabilise the economy and strengthen the Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) currency, while ensuring essential public services are sustained.
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