Private Doctors Overwhelmed As Public Hospital Doctors' Strike Continues

The Medicinal and Dental Private Practitioners of Zimbabwe Association (MDPPZA) has said that its members are now overwhelmed by the health crisis as public health institutions are grounded.

MDPPZA interim president, Johannes Marisa called upon the government to engage health caregivers who have been on industrial action since the 3rd of September this year to find a solution to the health crisis. Marisa said:

We are burdened very much. The majority of patients who go to public hospitals are low-income patients who can’t afford drugs and services from private health centres.

In some instances, we end up doing free consultations because the patients cannot pay. It’s a toll order for us.

The government and health workers have failed to find each other with the latter rejecting government offers which they said were “insignificant” considering the inflationary nature of the economy.

The standoff has left patients stranded with some seeking unsustainable alternatives including delivering babies at the home of a Mbare-based traditional midwife, Mbuya Gwena after clinics and hospitals turned them away.

More: News Day