Zimbabwe Nurses Demand US$600 Salaries As Government Responds
Zimbabwe’s government has responded to growing calls from nurses for a salary increase to US$600 (about R9,900), saying discussions over their demands are continuing through formal negotiations.
Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora told Parliament that while the government is evaluating proposals to increase health-specific and risk allowances, talks over workers’ remuneration remain ongoing.
The latest update comes after nurses complained that their earnings of just under US$300 (about R4,950) and allowances are no longer enough to keep pace with the cost of living.
Government Explains Where Salary Talks Stand
Speaking in the National Assembly, Mombeshora said the government had received submissions from health workers and was considering proposals within available resources.
He said:
“Government is further evaluating a submission made by the health workers to increase health-specific and risk allowances applicable to health workers, according to prevailing economic conditions and available fiscal space.”
The minister said discussions would continue through the Best Negotiated Package (BNP), the platform used by the government and health workers to negotiate employment conditions.
He added:
“Further engagements to consider the workers’ position will be addressed through the Best Negotiated Package (BNP), a platform for negotiations between the employer and health workers.”
Nurses Say Allowances Have Lost Value
According to NewZimbabwe.com, nurses want their salaries increased to US$600 (about R9,900), saying the current package has been eroded by inflation and rising transport, accommodation and other living costs.
Mombeshora said negotiations had already progressed to another stage after earlier proposals were revised.
He said:
“Proposals have been made, and the first proposals for allowances that were made were adjusted. We now await the new proposals, because when we have new proposals which are discussed between the Health Service Commission and the health workers, they are put together and presented to the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, who in turn will present them to the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion.”
He continued:
“I think that is the stage where we are at now, for the Minister of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare to have the discussions with the Minister of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion, with the comprehensive list of allowances which were last reviewed in 2022.”
What Happens Next?
The minister did not indicate whether government would approve the nurses’ demand for a salary increase or when negotiations would conclude. However, he confirmed that discussions between the relevant ministries are continuing.
As of 18 July 2026, no timeline has been announced for a final decision on the proposed salary and allowance adjustments.
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