The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) said the Government should address nurses’ grievances so that they return to work as bringing in the military to stand in for them would never work.
ZINA president Enock Dongo said it is not possible to bring nurses and doctors from the army as there should be a proper handover of patients’ records. Said Dongo:
<blockquote>
The number of health workers in the army vis-a-vis our number is incomparable. In short, it will definitely not work.
I do not think it is possible or serve the purpose.
It is very simple and for the government to try and look for other ways of doing things is not fair and it will lead to the total collapse of our health system.
They have done it before, to bring in nurses and doctors from the army but I think they know it well that it will be for politicking not for real work to be done.
This is not a profession that you can take someone to come and replace, there is a need for handover because these patients have records.
</blockquote>
He said the Government has an obligation to pay nurses US dollar salaries since it has indexed its services in US dollars. Dongo said:
<blockquote>
When the government indexed everything else in US dollars, they forgot about indexing our salaries.
We do not have the basics in hospitals, we do not have bandages, gloves, or paracetamol which is just a pain-stop, we do not have antibiotics, and x-rays so even if health workers were to go back to work today, they would still have to watch people die because of lack of the resources.
The health workers are not demanding something out of this world, they are just demanding basic salaries and medication in the hospitals and equipment.
</blockquote>
Zimbabwe’s public health workers have been on strike since Monday, demanding that their salaries should be paid in US dollars, among other things.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/parirenyatwa-general-workers-earning-zw5-000-per-month/">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Pindula News

Nurses Warn Govt Against Deploying Military Medical Personnel To Hospitals

Specialist doctors at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, the largest referral hospital in Zimbabwe, have notified hospitals of their decision to suspend their services over potential exposure to the novel coronavirus.
In a letter to the hospital’s medical superintendent last week, senior resident medical officers (SRMOs) said a sustained number of front line workers had contracted the deadly virus as a result of the inadequacy of personal protective equipment (PPEs) hence the decision to down tools.
The letter reads in part:
<blockquote>A considerable number of SRMOs have tested positive for SARS-COVID-19 and a sizeable number are showing symptoms of COVID-19 and await to be tested.</blockquote>
They further implored the superintendent’s office to order mandatory tests for all patients who are admitted.
The development comes when nurses have for a sustained period of time been on industrial action over poor salaries and potential exposure to Coronavirus.
Meanwhile, Dr Agness Mahomva, the chief coordinator for the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) recently said the health and welfare of frontline workers was a priority for the government.
Over 300 health caregivers have so far tested positive for the Coronavirus while some have since defected to the private sector in search of better conditions of service and remuneration.
<h4>Source: <a href="https://dailynews.co.zw/specialist-doctors-down-tools/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

Specialist Doctors Suspend Services

President Emmerson Mnangagwa implored striking doctors and nurses to return to work as coronavirus infections continue to rise.
Addressing mourners at the burial of Lands, Agriculture, Water and Rural Resettlement Minister Perrance Shiri at the National Heroes Acre this Friday, President Mnangagwa said health workers should act in the national interest while their grievances continue to be addressed. He said:
<blockquote>We must stop the scourge of Covid-19 itself a global pandemic. It spares no one. Great or small. Our nations of the world are suffering from its impact with figures of infections and deaths daily rising.
In unity and through discipline we stand a chance to save our nation from the impact of its menace. I call on our medical staff to act in the national interest and exhibit a great sense of responsibility.
My government hears your cries, listens to your concerns but the time to serve is now. 
Your grievances which we acknowledge and continue to address cannot be enjoyed at the expense of loss of lives.
When the pandemic spreads and the death toll rises, there are no winners, none at all. We will all die.</blockquote>
<h4>More: <a href="http://newziana.co.zw/2020/07/31/president-mnangagwa-calls-for-peace/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">New Ziana</a></h4>

ED Pleads With Striking Health Workers To Return To Work

Junior doctors have demanded a massive salary hike of up to ZWL$156 000 per month inclusive of various allowances.
In a letter dated 29 July 2020 and addressed to the Health Services Board (HSB), Board Chairperson Paulinus Sikhosana, the Progressive Doctors Association of Zimbabwe (PDAZ) said the pay hike will avert a crisis. They said
<blockquote>This letter serves as a follow-up to our meeting on the 28th of July 2020 where it was agreed upon that we forward the net income figures we would consider fair for junior doctors.</blockquote>
Here is what PDAZ considers to be reasonable:
<ul>
<li>Basic Salary: ZWL$30 000</li>
<li>Transport: ZWL$11 000</li>
<li>Housing: ZWL$15 000</li>
<li>On-Call: ZWL$80 000</li>
<li>Risk Allowance: ZWL$20 000</li>
<li>Total: ZWL$156 000</li>
</ul>
<img alt="" class="alignnone wp-image-176263 size-full" decoding="async" height="1080" loading="lazy" sizes="(max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px" src="https://t792ae.c2.acecdn.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/WhatsApp-Image-2020-07-31-at-19.05.48.jpeg" srcset="https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/WhatsApp-Image-2020-07-31-at-19.05.48.jpeg 525w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/WhatsApp-Image-2020-07-31-at-19.05.48-146x300.jpeg 146w, https://news.pindula.co.zw/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/WhatsApp-Image-2020-07-31-at-19.05.48-498x1024.jpeg 498w" width="525"/>

Junior Doctors Demand $156 000 Per Month

Masvingo Provincial Hospital is reportedly no longer admitting or treating any patients after nurses and doctors went on strike late last week citing poor working conditions underlined by poor pay, shortage of medicines and lack of personal protective equipment.
Reports suggest that patients were discharged from the hospital even those who were set to undergo surgery.
Provincial Medical Director (PMD) Dr Amadeus Shamu, however, denied reports that the hospital has completely shut down, telling TellZim News that operations at the hospital had been drastically scaled back in response to the strike. He said:
<blockquote>They are operating with a very thin staff complement as most nurses have gone on strike. The few available nurses are only attending to the most critical sections like the maternity ward where some care has to be given to expectant mothers at all cost.</blockquote>
Shamu admitted that no new patients were getting admitted but said senior nurses were manning the maternity ward and other critical areas.
A doctor who spoke to TellZim News dismissed the PMD’s statement saying all doctors were on strike and none were available to attend to cases.
Doctors and nurses at public health institutions went on strike last week in protest over rampant corruption by Ministry of Health officials as well as poor working conditions.
<h4>More: <a href="http://www.tellzim.com/2020/06/masvingo-provincial-hospital-shuts.html?m=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">TellZim News</a></h4>

Doctors, Nurses' Strike Cripples Masvingo Provincial Hospital

Health practitioners at Bulawayo’s United Bulawayo Hospital (UBH) on Thursday staged a demonstration demanding improved salaries.
They also rejected the government’s US$75.00 COVID-19 offer which was announced by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development on Wednesday.
The government has clarified that the allowance will not be paid in cash but public sector workers will be given purchasing electronic cards which they will then use to pay for goods and services.
Doctors and nurses have rejected the “rebased-RTGS dollar” with one of the placards written, “I work with my hands, I want my US$ Nostro in my hands”.
See the pictures below shared on Twitter by <a href="https://twitter.com/zenzele/status/1273511789498695681?s=20" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">CITE</a>:
<img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EaxsLaEXQAAQDHY?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EaxsMQ2WAAAuPkN?format=jpg&amp;name=medium"/><img alt="Image" decoding="async" src="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EaxsM83WAAAohJD?format=jpg&amp;name=large"/>

'I Want My USD Nostro In My Hands', Doctors And Nurses Reject Electronic Cards

Health and Child Care minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obadiah_Moyo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Obadiah Moyo</a> said that the government is working to improve doctors’ conditions of service.
Doctors handed over a petition to the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ministry_of_Health_and_Child_Care" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ministry of Health and Child Care</a> on the 4th of December last year and presented it to the parliamentary portfolio committee this Monday.
The doctors expressed concern over the procurement process for medical equipment saying they also need to be involved. In response, Moyo said:
<blockquote>Government recognises commitment and perseverance of all doctors. My actions are based on serving the interest of the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
… availability of water at hospitals it’s the jurisdiction of the local authorities but as a Ministry, we drilled boreholes to ease the problem.
… on the issue of equipment, currently foreign currency is a challenge.</blockquote>
Doctors declared incapacitation (an ability to report for duty due to poor salaries) last year resulting in the near-collapse of Zimbabwe’s public health system.
Most of the doctors eventually agreed to resume their duties after a United Kingdom-based telecoms mogul, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Strive_Masiyiwa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Strive Masiyiwa,</a> pledged to pay their salaries and avail transport to and from work.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/govt-pledges-to-improve-doctors-conditions-of-service/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ZBC News</a></h4>

Govt Working To Improve Doctors' Conditions Of Service - Health Minister

A total of 1 866 doctors have applied for the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Higherlife_Foundation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Higherlife Foundation (HLF)</a> fellowships ahead of last Sunday’s deadline.
HLF has pledged to offer doctors working in the public health sector a non-negotiable monthly subsistence allowance of $5 000 per doctor and free transport, a smartphone and a VAYA pool car voucher to access the hospital at a maximum of three trips per day. It said in a statement:
<blockquote>In line with our commitment to putting the patient first, we are pleased to announce that our free VAYA transport programme for nurses and doctors, which has been in place for the past six months, has been further extended and will run through to July 2020.</blockquote>
In 2019, the founder of HLF, the Masiyiwa Family, announced a $100 million medical training completion fellowship for about 2 000 junior and senior doctors employed by the government.
Initially, there was scepticism towards the HLF offer with only 362 having applied by December.
The Masiyiwas dangled the deal in a bid to enable doctors to go back to work following a 3-months long strike that had grounded the health sector.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/1-866-doctors-sign-up-for-sponsorship-package/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

1 866 Doctors Apply For Masiyiwa's Sponsorship Deal

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Higherlife_Foundation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">HigherLife Foundation</a> founder <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Strive_Masiyiwa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Strive Masiyiwa</a> said 1 504 doctors have accepted the offer that he made last year, and expanded this year, for them to call off a debilitating strike that had crippled Zimbabwe’s health sector.
The UK-based billionaire gave the update through his Facebook page on Friday. Below is Masiyiwa’s update:
<blockquote>#Update on Zimbabwe’s doctors:
As many of you know, my wife and I renewed our offer to the striking Zimbabwean public hospital doctors. 
The offer closed this evening, and we have been stunned by the response:
1 504 doctors completed the forms, as well as the Resumption of Work process. I had no idea there were that many doctors involved!
They have all gone back to work!
This brings the total number of doctors that will be back at work next week to 1866 [including the 362 who accepted the original offer]
According to reports I received entire wards at major hospitals, and even entire clinics were re-opening today. 
That is just remarkable! A miracle!
I really want to extend my own gratitude to these doctors, I know it has not been easy for them. And I’m the first to agree that’s this is not where they want to be.
As part of our foundation’s initiatives we also extended the Free Transport to both doctors and nurses, using Vaya Commuter Shuttles, for another six months. Vaya is also making Free Water Deliveries to 19 hospitals and clinics on a weekly basis.
I really want to urge the relevant authorities to re-engage on this issue and find a satisfactory, and long term, sustainable solution.
Meanwhile, I want to also appeal to every member of our society in Zimbabwe, to remember that these are Community Hospitals, and they serve everyone.
This morning I spoke to some church leaders who are keen to help with things like food for doctors and patients. I think this would be a great start. If you are a member of a church why not get involved:
Let’s approach this with the spirit of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Cyclone_Idai" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cyclone Idai</a> Disaster Response. We need food, blankets, and other forms of support.
Everyone has something to offer. 
Let’s do this.
Strive Masiyiwa</blockquote>

Masiyiwa Says 'Thank You' To 1 504 Doctors Who Accepted His Offer To Return To Work

SABC News took the time to speak to Dr Tapiwa Mungofa who shed more light on the ongoing Doctor’s strike. Watch the video below:
<div class="jetpack-video-wrapper"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" loading="lazy" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E7yydbZ63OU?feature=oembed" title="Patients turned away as Zimbabwe doctors' strike continues" width="640"></iframe></div>

WATCH: Patients Turned Away As Zimbabwe Doctors' Strike Continues

<blockquote>The situation in our hospitals remains critical. What is only remaining are buildings but without the specialized skills. It is now more than 4 months after doctors downed their remaining tools citing incapacitation.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has done nothing to alleviate the situation. The doctors’ remuneration remains paltry and the hospitals remain severely incapacitated.
Zimbabweans need not listen to fake news that doctors are back at work and therefore the situation in our hospitals has normalized. What use is a hospital with doctors but with nothing to use?
Our central hospitals were previously manned by highly skilled senior specialist doctors who were using high technology equipment. The equipment has since broken down with no replacement in plan.
Specialists and most middle-level doctors in Zimbabwe have shown patriotism without an appreciation for a long time.
The failure by the ministry to address the genuine concerns by doctors has hastened the already ongoing brain drain in our country.
As the ZHDA, in as much as we advocate for the welfare of the doctors, we also strongly advocate for our patients and the betterment of the healthcare delivery system. We are duty-bound, to tell the truth.
The situation in our hospitals is far from normal and as of now, most middle-level doctors are leaving the country. The same sadly is now being seen with our Consultants (Senior Doctors) who are the Specialists.
Many registrars who were in training locally have left and gone to complete their training in other countries, leaving our hospitals understaffed. All this has happened in a space of fewer than five months and the system continues to contract.
Doctors are on demand worldwide and it is only patriotism and the desire to be in the homeland that was keeping doctors in the country.
Our country needs these highly specialized medical personnel and it takes years to train one. Asking them to work without tools is counterproductive and has lead to this brain drain.
The current situation has forced the junior doctors who are in their 2 year internship period to lose heart and now consider leaving Zimbabwe.
Junior doctors have reverted to being funded by their parents and previous guardians to help them to go to work so that they can complete their internship and be able to leave the country.
The question is, should our country celebrate the return of junior doctors to work when their financial incapacitation has not been addressed?
This current scenario is far from normal and looking at it with a futuristic eye, one can see that our healthcare system will be more exposed shortly with no trained or experienced medical personnel.
We acknowledge the effort of HLF in stepping forward to assist in the national health crisis. In light of the ongoing humanitarian crisis, we call upon developmental and private business entities, together with non-governmental organizations to partner and assist in supporting the healthcare delivery system in Zimbabwe.
The inaction of the government and the lack of urgency in addressing the very real issues is cause for deep concern. 
We now call upon the relevant authorities in Zimbabwe to address this dire situation with the urgency it deserves.
We hope they will see the need for a future with doctors in the country and do the needful.
ZHDA INFORMATION DESK</blockquote>

Junior Doctors Dismiss As Fake News Reports That They Are Back At Work {Full Text}

The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Hospital_Doctors_Association" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Hospitals Doctors Association (ZHDA)</a> has expressed frustration over the Health Services Board’s (HSB) reluctance to create a separate engagement forum for them after they fulfilled all the requirements.
The ZHDA wrote a letter to HSB chairperson, Paulinus Sikosana, urging the Board to look into the matter urgently. The letter reads in part:
<blockquote>The Zimbabwe Hospital Doctor’s Association (ZHDA) has noted the reluctance by the responsible authorities, in particular, the Health Services Board (HSB) and the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ministry_of_Health_and_Child_Care" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ministry of Health and Child Care</a>, in forming a separate negotiating forum for doctors.
This comes after letters of notification and a draft of proposed regulations were submitted 2 months ago. The ZHDA and its entire membership urge the board to seriously look into this matter.</blockquote>
Junior doctors announced in October 2019 that their association was leaving the Health Apex Council which they accused of failing to adequately represent them.
The doctors also expressed anger over the formation of a rival union, the Progressive Doctors Association of Zimbabwe (PDAZ), which substituted ZHDA in the Health Apex Council.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.newzimbabwe.com/frustrated-junior-doctors-blast-health-service-board/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">NewZimbabwe.com</a></h4>

Junior Doctors Push HSB In Bid To Form Separate Negotiating Forum

Senior doctors have said that they will not report for work until the Ministry of Health and Child Care meets their demands.
While specialists continue to offer some emergency services, doctors’ salaries remain unsustainably low. This was said by Senior Hospitals Doctors Association (SHDA) secretary-general, Aaron Musara in an interview with NewZimbabwe.com. He said.
<blockquote>The position of the SHDA is that there is no resolution to the incapacitation of doctors and hospitals. The hospitals remain incapacitated.
Specialists, however, continue to offer some emergency services where possible. Shortages of drugs, sundries and broken-down equipment still remain as a challenge.
The flexi-hours system for nurses and other staff still exists unaltered and yet we have made it very clear this has been killing patients. Doctors’ salaries remain low to be able to sustain them even to just go to work.</blockquote>
In his last meeting with representatives from SHDA, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ministry_of_Health_and_Child_Care" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Minister of Health and Child Care</a>, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obadiah_Moyo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Obadiah Moyo</a>, said the government will not negotiate with doctors over their grievances until they start reporting for duty.
<h4>More: NewZimbabwe.com</h4>

Senior Doctors To Press On With Strike

Mpilo Central Hospital’s outpatient department will be fully operational next week following the return to work of 75 per cent of junior doctors who were on strike, a Chronicle report claims.
Speaking to State media on Friday, <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Mpilo_Central_Hospital" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Mpilo Central Hospital</a> clinical director Dr Solwayo Ngwenya revealed that most of the doctors who were fired for misconduct have since returned to work. He said:
<blockquote>Most of the doctors are back at work. Only 13 out of 51 who were fired are yet to report for duty. The latest one reported for duty today.
… to us, it was our outpatient department which was mainly affected. We are envisaging fully opening up the outpatient department that was partially opened. It was not closed completely. We will probably open it next week when we resume full-scale operations.</blockquote>
Junior doctors went on strike on September 3 last year citing incapacitation and a severe shortage of medical equipment, sundries and drugs at public hospitals.
After the Labour Court ruled that the strike was illegal, the Health Service Board (HSB) fired 448 doctors after conducting disciplinary hearings.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/mpilo-resumes-operations-as-doctors-report-for-work/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Chronicle</a></h4>

Mpilo Central Hospital Set To Resume Full-scale Operations

Senior doctors have claimed that the government has warned them that it will not attend to their grievances until they return to work.
Following a meeting between members of the Zimbabwe Senior Hospital Doctors Association (SHDA) and Health and Child Care Minister Obadiah Moyo, the doctors released a memorandum which reads:
<blockquote>Following ordinary meetings of the SHDA members on 19 December 2019, it was reiterated to members that the Minister of Health and Child Care has insisted that the government is not going to attend to any of the three immediate issues that need attention for normal service to resume in hospitals until doctors return to work.
Doctors shall wait until the government decides to change its stance or be guided according to future collective resolutions.</blockquote>
Doctors at public health institutions have been on strike for several months demanding improved remuneration, availability of drugs, sundries and equipment, as well as a safe working environment.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/12/30/govt-threatens-to-ignore-senior-doctors-plight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

'No Talks Until You Return To Work', - Govt Tells Senior Doctors

The Sunday News investigated the issue of doctors coming back to work and discovered that it might not be entirely true as the country’s biggest referral hospital Parirenyatwa hospital was largely deserted when their reporters got there.<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare_Central_Hospital"> Harare Hospital</a> was also reportedly not taking admissions.
The publication also spoke to a <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Harare">Harare</a> Man who had taken his mother in law to <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Parirenyatwa_Hospital">Parirenyatwa</a> who said he had been waiting with her for 3 hours without receiving any assistance despite her condition being critical.
However, Parirenyatwa’s PR Manager said Doctors were mainly responding to emergencies:
<blockquote>Doctors availability has generally been good during the end of year festive season. Doctors availability has been more than 80 percent for all the emergencies which presented to the hospital during that period</blockquote>
HSB has <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/12/29/doctors-coming-back-to-work-health-services-board/">also said Doctors are trickling back to work. </a>
More: <a href="https://www.sundaynews.co.zw/doctors-sell-patients-a-dummy/">Sunday News </a>

Doctors Are Lying About Coming Back To Work - Report

The health sector manpower situation may be a thing of the past in the new year if reports by the Health Services Board that doctors are trickling back to work are true.
According to the HSB, 194 out of 476 heeded the government’s call and came back to work, the Daily News reports. HSB CEO Ruth Kaseke said this to the publication:
<blockquote>Initially a total of 578 doctors were supposed to appear before the disciplinary committee but the number went down to 476 after considering some issues. The total number of doctors that have gone back to work by mid-December is now 194.</blockquote>
Doctors have been on strike since 3 September 2019.
More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/12/29/doctors-trickle-back-to-work">Daily News </a>

Doctors Coming Back To Work - Health Services Board

The <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/12/16/newly-formed-doctors-association-opens-the-door-for-negotiations-with-the-govt/">recently launched Progressive Doctors’ Association Of Zimbabwe</a> has hit the ground running as they are claiming they understand that incapacitation is there and have started to negotiate for better incentives with the government The Herald reports.
PDAZ spokesperson Dr Anesu Rangwani in an interview with the publication said:
<blockquote>We want to be progressive, but we are not going to label anyone who has not been coming to work because doctors did not down tools for no reason. However, as PDAZ we are saying the past should stay in the past. Yes, incapacitation was there, our grievances still stand and they are still genuine, but what we need now is a solution. We need to forge a way forward.
We have commenced the process (of negotiating with Government) and we have since submitted our proposals in terms of what we expect as salaries and non-salary benefits. There is nothing solid yet, but we are hopeful that an agreement is imminent.</blockquote>
Doctors have been on strike since 3 September 2019 citing incapacitation.
More; <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/new-doctors-body-pushes-for-better-incentives/">The Herald </a>

We Need To Forge A Way Forward - New Doctors' Union

A senior doctor at <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Parirenyatwa_Group_of_Hospitals" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals</a>, David Chimuka, who is a cardiothoracic surgeon, said he is back at work and has urged his colleagues to do the same while looking for avenues for dialogue with President <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Emmerson_Mnangagwa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Emmerson Mnangagwa</a>.
In a recorded Whatsapp message to his fellow consultants on Thursday, which he later confirmed to The Herald, Dr Chimuka said:
<blockquote>At the last meeting we had with the Minister we said we need to go above the emergency but not at 100 per cent, 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.</blockquote>
Senior doctors declared incapacitation on September 14 following a similar move by their juniors.
The development resulted in the near-collapse of the country’s public health delivery system as hospitals were left with no doctors to attend to patients.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/just-in-top-surgeon-returns-to-work-calls-for-dialogue/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Senior Doctor Returns To Work, Urges Colleagues To Abandon Strike

The Progressive Doctors Association of Zimbabwe (PDAZ) said it has convinced some junior doctors to sign resumption of duty forms which will see them return to work ahead of the festive season. PDAZ spokesperson, Anesu Rangwani said:
<blockquote>We have made quite a lot of progress to convince some of our striking colleagues to go back to work and quite a number have signed up the resumption of duty forms which is a good thing because they will be able to work on emergencies that usually occur during the festive period.</blockquote>
PDAZ was formed recently as a rival to the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Hospital_Doctors_Association" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA)</a>, which represents junior doctors across the country.
The doctors have been on strike since September 3, demanding better working conditions and improved remuneration.
Reports indicate that 386 doctors have returned to work following a financial package offered by  <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Higherlife_Foundation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Higherlife Foundation</a>, an NGO founded by Strive and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tsitsi_Masiyiwa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tsitsi Masiyiwa</a>.
The organisation offered to pay an extra monthly amount of ZWL$5,000 (US$310), a smartphone, transport and some medical equipment.
<h4><a href="https://www.zbcnews.co.zw/striking-doctors-sign-up-resumption-of-duty-forms/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">More: ZBC News</a></h4>

More Junior Doctors Return To Work - PDAZ

<a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Strive_Masiyiwa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Strive Masiyiwa’s</a> offer to medical doctors through the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Higherlife_Foundation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Higherlife Foundation</a> has left them divided, with 386 doctors returning to work while the rest have chosen to stay at home.
A junior doctor at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals who spoke to Zim Morning Post this week, on condition that his identity is not revealed said that senior doctors and consultancy are still on strike. The doctor is quoted as saying:
<blockquote>Only 386 doctors have since returned to work, but they are just junior doctors who are not doing any work since senior doctors and the consultancy are still on strike.</blockquote>
Another doctor told the publication that it was illogical to enter into a contract of employment with Masiyiwa when the government was the doctors’ employer.
Last month, Higherlife Foundation, an NGO founded by Strive and <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Tsitsi_Masiyiwa" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tsitsi Masiyiwa</a> offered to contribute towards doctors’ salaries in a bid to end the impasse between government and doctors.
The organisation offered to pay an extra monthly amount of ZWL$5,000 (US$310), a smartphone, transport and some medical equipment.
<h4>More: <a href="https://zimmorningpost.com/strive-masiyiwa-divides-doctors-makes-unclear-offer/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zim Morning Post</a></h4>

Strive Masiyiwa's Offer Leaves Doctors In A Quandary

Higher Life Foundation has Increased money for doctors who applied for their $100 Million Training Fellowship, The Chronicle reports.
This was revealed by the foundation’s president, Kenneth Mubaira who said:
<blockquote>Following a positive response to the ZWL$100 million Training Fellowship for Junior and Senior Resident Medical Officers, Registers and Consultants employed at Public Healthcare Institutions in Zimbabwe announced by HLF on 27 November 2019, HLF is pleased to announce an upgrade.
Consultants who were awarded the fellowship for the six-month duration, will get an increase of their non-negotiable monthly subsistence allowance from the original offer of ZWL$ 5 000 to ZWL$ 10 000 for the duration of the fellowship</blockquote>
The <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Higherlife_Foundation">Higher Life Foundation</a>‘s $100 Million Training Fellowship, was launched last month, it will benefit 2000 senior and junior doctors.
More: <a href="https://www.chronicle.co.zw/more-money-for-doctors/">The Chronicle</a>

Higher Life Foundation To Increase Doctors' Payouts

Senior doctors at public health institutions have started to attend to emergency cases again after meeting the Health and Childcare Development Minister <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Obadiah_Moyo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Obadiah Moyo</a>.
Senior Hospital Doctors Association (SHDA) president Dr Shingai Nyaguse on Thursday revealed that her organisation has since communicated the new position to members. She said:
<blockquote>We met the minister on Wednesday and he made his promises, which we communicated to our membership this morning (Thursday).
Following the meeting with our members, we are no longer on total withdrawal. We are seeing dire emergency cases.</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the junior doctors’ union, the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Hospital_Doctors_Association" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA)</a> secretary-general Dr Tawanda Zvakada said doctors were still incapacitated as the government has not made any offer.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/more-doctors-return-to-work/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">The Herald</a></h4>

Senior Doctors Now Attending To Emergency Cases

<blockquote>Ministry of Health and Child Care
PRESS STATEMENT ON DOCTORS REMUNERATION
Harare Wednesday, December 11, 2019
It has come to the attention of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ministry_of_Health_and_Child_Care" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ministry of Health and Child Care</a> that there is a document circulating on social media purporting an upward review of Doctors’ remuneration package by Government.
This statement is false and mischievous as Government has not reviewed salaries of Doctors and other health workers in the manner purported in this false document Government distances itself from this false announcement which should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves.
The last official review of salaries by the government was in September 2019 when all its Health Workers were awarded a 100% increase which still stands.</blockquote>

Govt Refutes Reports Of Salary Hike For Doctors {Full Text}

The govt has dismissed social media reports circulating purporting that the govt has bumped up the Doctors’ wages with amounts varying from $8 000 to $26 000 the Herald reports.
Disputing the rumours, a statement released by the Health Ministry’s Public Relations Department reads in part:
<blockquote>It has come to the attention of the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ministry_of_Health_and_Child_Care">Ministry of Health and Child Care</a> that there is a document circulating on social media purporting an upward review of doctors remuneration package by Government. This statement is false and mischievous as Government has not reviewed salaries of doctors and other Health workers in the manner purported in this document.
Government distances itself from this false announcement, which should be dismissed with the contempt it deserves. The last official review of salaries by Government was in September 2019 when all its Health workers where awarded a 100 percent increase, which still stands.</blockquote>
Doctors have been on strike for the past 14 weeks and have <a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/12/04/full-text-doctors-10-issues-of-concern-in-the-running-of-public-hospitals/">raised 10 issues of concern with the govt which they claim are running down the public hospitals. </a>
More: <a href="https://www.herald.co.zw/just-in-gvt-dismisses-fake-salary-schedule/">The Herald </a>

Doctors Have Not Been Given A Raise, Govt Dismisses Social Media Reports.

A group of doctors at the public health institutions have split from the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Zimbabwe_Hospital_Doctors_Association" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association</a> (ZHDA) and Senior Hospital Doctors Association( SHDA) to form a rival union called the Progressive Doctors Association of Zimbabwe (PDAZ).
According to prominent journalist <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Hopewell_Chin%27ono" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hopewell Chin’ono</a>, the new union a puppet doctors’ Association of the government.
Below is a statement issued by PDAZ ahead of its launch:
<blockquote>Update: PDAZ Official Launch, 13/12/19
Progressive Doctors Association of Zimbabwe is pleased to announce its official launch that is set for Friday 13th December 2019, the program starts at 1700hrs.
The much-awaited PDAZ launch will be held at <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Cresta_Lodge" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cresta Lodge</a> in Harare. Various development partners and representatives from government ministries of note Min. of Health and Finance Ministry shall be present.
An interim committee will be officially announced at the launch and the PDAZ President is expected to deliver a speech that will be addressing a number of issues particularly the doctor’s incapacitation and way forward.
Medical professionals from all over the country are all invited to this historic event where they will get a chance to hear firsthand of the offer that PDAZ is promising to broker for them in ending the ongoing impasse.
Transport, accommodation and other itineraries will be arranged for those travelling from Bulawayo and Gweru to Harare.
Transport is also available from the CBD to the venue. All are welcome for the launch. Let us turn up in our numbers. Those interested in attending the launch both in Harare, Gweru and Bulawayo should contact us on our WhatsApp numbers: (+263737983861/+263 77 474 2246/ +263779513264)</blockquote>

Doctors Form New Association To Rival ZHDA & SHDA {Full Text}

One Dr David Mukwekwezeke of <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Marondera_Provincial_Hospital" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Marondera Provincial Hospital</a> has resigned from his post with immediate effect.
In a letter addressed to the Medical Superintendent Marondera Provincial Hospital, the Provincial Medical Director, and the Permanent Secretary in the <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/Ministry_of_Health_and_Child_Care" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ministry of Health and Childcare</a>, Dr Mukwekwezeke said he was resigning due to a plethora of adverse working conditions. Below is the resignation letter:
<blockquote>TO: THE MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT MARONDERA PROVINCIAL HOSPITAL
Cc: THE PROVINCIAL MEDICAL DIRECTOR MASHONALAND EAST
Всс: THE PERMANENT SECRETARY MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND CHILD CARE
DATE:10 DECEMBER 2019
REF: RESIGNATION WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT
I am hereby tendering my resignation from my post at Marondera Provincial Hospital with immediate effect due to a plethora of adverse working conditions.
Dr David TC Mukwekwezeke
10 December 2019</blockquote>

Senior Doctor Resigns From Marondera Hospital Due To 'Adverse Working Conditions'

A Twitter account belonging to a former Zimpapers employee Milayo Ndou has further confirmed reports circulating<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/11/26/zhda-fired-doctors-start-to-leave-the-country/"> on social media that Doctors have started leaving the country for greener pastures. </a>
Ndou Tweeted:
<blockquote>Im with a doctor who’s sharing how he and his 9 colleagues have secured jobs in Ireland, after being fired. He’s collecting his visa end of the week &amp; will start work in January. I urge those who can, to find a way out of this country Got my son’s passport last week… I’m out</blockquote>
The govt resorted to<a href="https://news.pindula.co.zw/2019/11/13/govt-fires-77-striking-doctors-more-set-to-be-axed/"> firing all striking doctors after they had been on strike for over 72 days.</a> The govt extended an olive branch to the doctors and asked them to come back. Reports that 46 doctors went back to work were in the state media last week.
Source: <a href="https://twitter.com/MilayoNdou/status/1203605733994061824">Twitter</a>

Fired Doctors' Exodus Continues - Report

Senior Hospital Doctors Association (SHDA) secretary-general Aaron Musara has revealed the salary range of doctors at government hospitals.
Responding to Daily News on Sunday reporter Nokuthaba Nkomo who had asked how much doctors were earning and what they expect from the government, Musara said:
<blockquote>Salaries range from about $3 600 to about $6 000 depending on different levels. Doctors are asking for a liveable wage from the government. It is a negotiable figure and it should be adjusted regularly to cushion against inflation.</blockquote>
Musara implored the government to be sensitive to the plight of the workforce in general and doctors in particular during times of serious economic challenges.
He further urged government officials to be prepared to give concessions when negotiating with doctors rather than having an “I know it all” kind of attitude.
<h4>More: <a href="https://www.dailynews.co.zw/articles/2019/12/08/lack-of-materials-biggest-challenge-at-hospitals-as-patients-die-due-to-on-going-strike" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Daily News</a></h4>

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