Zim doctors’ strike – beginning of the end?

ZTN Reporter

An increased number of Zimbabwean doctors are returning to work.

Doctors in the Southern African country have been on strike since September 3 this year, demanding improved salaries and better working conditions.

The doctors, through Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors’ Association, had vowed not to return back to work until all their conditions are met.

However, a visit to local hospitals shows that the situation is slowly returning to normal.

The newly formed doctors’ representative body, the Progressive Doctors Association of Zimbabwe (PDAZ), says it is encouraged by the way more and more doctors are returning to work and signing resumption of duty forms.

PDAZ spokesperson Anesu Rangwani said: “The number of doctors at work stations is increasing with each day and that is a very encouraging sign.”

Yesterday one of Zimbabwe’s top surgeons David Chimuka announced that he was returning to work

In a recorded WhatsApp message to his fellow consultants Chimuka, who is a cardiothoracic surgeon, called on his colleagues to consider going back to work while pursuing all avenues to meet President Mnangagwa and discuss their grievances.

“At the last meeting we had with the Minister we said we need to go above the emergency but not at 100 percent, but we need to start opening our wards and we do whatever we can but in the meantime we make all efforts and open up all avenues to go and see the President, so that we tell him what we feel. He must hear our own words.

“As far as I am concerned, I am now going to work, I don’t think I am betraying you. If I see any patients who need to be admitted, I will definitely admit that patient and do my best to save that patient,” said Dr Chimuka.