Scores of doctors and nurses are reported to be leaving Bulawayo hospitals and other health institutions citing poor salaries.
Chronicle reports that over 140 health caregivers have resigned from Bulawayo’s central hospitals, a development that has compromised service delivery.
The publication further reports that most of these healthcare workers are said to be leaving for the UK which recently embarked on massive recruitment in the face of Covid-19.
A total of 52 registered general nurses and two doctors resigned at the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) this year while Mpilo Central Hospital lost 77 nurses and seven doctors, a development which authorities say has crippled operations.
Commenting on doctors and nurses leaving Bulawayo hospitals, Health Services Board chairperson Dr Paulinus Sikosana said it was unfortunate that the resignations are coming at a time when the Government has stepped up efforts to improve working conditions and remuneration for health workers. He said:
_The Cost of Living was adjusted by 25 percent effected in April 2021 and an additional 45 percent to be reviewed in June, was noted during the Health Workers in the Health Service Bipartite Negotiating Panel (HSBNP).
_Negotiations are expected to start soon on Health Sector-Specific Allowances as soon as Health Workers reconstitute the Apex Panel, whose term of office expired on 30 April 2021_
_As the economy improves, salaries and conditions of service will be adjusted and so far, duty-free vehicle importation scheme is fully operational in the health service. Buses are also available to cushion health workers on transport costs._
UBH acting chief executive officer Dr Narcacius Dzvanga said the institution will find it difficult to replace the experience of the nurses and doctors who resigned.
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More: Pindula News; Chronicle