Harare, Zimbabwe – The government has acknowledged the difficult working and living conditions faced by Zimbabwe’s healthcare workers, including doctors and nurses, many of whom are underpaid and lack access to adequate housing and transportation.
This admission came during a visit by Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals on Friday, 16 May. The minister was accompanied by Deputy Minister Sleiman Kwidini, Permanent Secretary Aspect Maunganidze, and other senior officials. The visit aimed to engage directly with hospital staff and gain first-hand insight into the challenges they are grappling with.
Speaking to the media after his meeting with personnel ranging from frontline nurses to senior administrators, Dr. Mombeshora said:
“Their salaries are clearly insufficient. They’re struggling with transport, housing, and workplace conditions. We’re now exploring possible interventions, including improving allowances to help ease their burden.”
The minister said his visit was prompted by a report from the Secretariat of Health and Welfare at Parirenyatwa, which highlighted growing dissatisfaction among staff. While those concerns had been relayed through formal channels, Dr. Mombeshora said he preferred to hear directly from the affected workers:
“Although the issues had already been escalated to senior levels, I felt it was important to engage with the staff personally. I operate an open-door policy and welcome feedback from all employees, regardless of their position.”
During the visit, Mombeshora urged health professionals to avoid airing grievances on social media, emphasizing the importance of direct communication with the ministry to ensure matters are handled appropriately.
To address the immediate accommodation shortage, the minister revealed that the government is planning to construct staff flats at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, where land is available. In the long term, he said, the goal is to build individual houses for healthcare professionals.
On the issue of salaries, he noted that the Health Service Commission is working on measures to improve remuneration for medical personnel. He also indicated that many of the staff’s concerns could be addressed in the upcoming Mid-Term Budget Review, to be presented by Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube.
“These concerns are legitimate,” Mombeshora concluded. “We are committed to finding practical solutions to support the vital work our health professionals do every day.”
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