Health Worker Suspensions Amplify Effects of Zim’s Covid-19 Second Wave
January 18, 2021
An increasing number of nurses have tested positive for Covid-19 at Harare’s biggest hospital as Zimbabwe succumbs to a second wave, while more staff were issued with suspensions and disciplinaries for alleged misconduct.
More than 120 Zimbabwean nurses at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (SMCH) have tested positive for Covid-19 as the country endures a harsh second wave of the coronavirus, since the beginning of its first lockdown in March 2020. Shortages of PPE, water, electricity and basic medicines continue to haunt the country’s biggest hospital in what could easily become a significant health catastrophe.
Health workers in Zimbabwe have been on a continuous collision path with the government for many months. (Photo: EPA-EFE / Aaron Ufumeli)
HARARE – An increasing number of nurses have tested positive for Covid-19 at Harare’s biggest hospital as Zimbabwe succumbs to a second wave, while more staff were issued with suspensions and disciplinaries for alleged misconduct.
More than 120 Zimbabwean nurses at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (SMCH) have tested positive for Covid-19 as the country endures a harsh second wave of the coronavirus, since the beginning of its first lockdown in March 2020. Shortages of PPE, water, electricity and basic medicines continue to haunt the country’s biggest hospital in what could easily become a significant health catastrophe.
Zanu PF goes after nurses
BY MOSES MATENGA
THE ruling Zanu PF party has accused nurses of working with the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance, saying their tendency to go on strike from time to time was meant to distabilise President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
Nurses affiliated to the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (Zina) have since 2018 engaged in sporadic job actions to demand better salaries and working conditions.
Zanu PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa said nurses appeared to have a broader opposition agenda to destabilise government.
He said the politburo on Wednesday saluted a handful of nurses at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (formerly Harare Central) and those from Bulawayo, who apologised to government for defying orders to discontinue flexi hours and return to a 40-hour working week.
NURSES WORKING WITH CHAMISA TO CAUSE CHAOS, SAYS CHINAMASA newsdzeZimbabweNewsdzeZimbabwe newsdzezimbabwe.co.uk - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from newsdzezimbabwe.co.uk Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Zanu PF goes after nurses
BY MOSES MATENGA
THE ruling Zanu PF party has accused nurses of working with the Nelson Chamisa-led MDC Alliance, saying their tendency to go on strike from time to time was meant to distabilise President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s administration.
Nurses affiliated to the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (Zina) have since 2018 engaged in sporadic job actions to demand better salaries and working conditions.
Zanu PF acting spokesperson Patrick Chinamasa said nurses appeared to have a broader opposition agenda to destabilise government.
He said the politburo on Wednesday saluted a handful of nurses at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital (formerly Harare Central) and those from Bulawayo, who apologised to government for defying orders to discontinue flexi hours and return to a 40-hour working week.