Doctors, nurses, and other health workers employed by the government have been threatened with dismissals if they go on strike for more than three days.
The Health Services Commission (HSC), which replaced the Health Services Board (HSB), issued the threat in a leaked memo.
According to the memo, strikes must not take more than 72 hours if they ever happen. Part of the memo reads:
Health Services Board has been replaced by the Health Services Commission. Health services are classified as critical services and no one should be denied access to emergency services or ICU services, even during a strike.
Striking by health workers is almost impossible. If a strike happens, it must not last more than 72 hours.
All those intending to strike must give the HSC a 48-hour written notice.
HSC has the power to deregister any member from professional body registers after disciplinary procedures.
Thousands of Zimbabwean health workers have left the country for greener pastures over the past few years.
In the past, the government has fired health workers for taking part in industrial action demanding living wages.
In August 2022, the Ministry of Health and Child Care fired Robert Emmanuel Chiduku, the leader of the Zimbabwe Professional Nurses Union (ZPNU).
Chiduku was found guilty on charges of conducting Union business during business hours on work premises without the employer’s consent.
