Vice President Kembo Mohadi yesterday called for more
dialogue between the Health Services Board and the Health Apex Council while Government
continues to find a lasting solution to concerns raised by medical
professionals.
He said this during a meeting with both parties at his
offices in Harare yesterday. HSB chairman Dr Paulinus Sikosana told The Herald
last night that VP Mohadi wants engagements to continue.
“Vice President Mohadi was supportive of the negotiations
and called on both parties to continue dialoguing while Government plays its
part,” said Dr Sikosana.
He said as part of efforts to improve the doctors’ working
conditions, Government was considering putting in buses to cater for health
workers countrywide.
Already, Harare Hospital and Parirenyatwa Group of
Hospitals are providing transport to health workers.
Doctors have indicated to Government that they want an
improvement in their working conditions, particularly an adjustment of their
allowances such as risk and medical allowances as well as locum payments.
Dr Sikosana said the HSB had learnt with disbelief and
surprise that doctors intended strike despite recently agreeing on an offer
from Government.
“The records of the Bipartite meeting held on Thursday 29
August do not show any dissent from any members of the Health Apex Council.
“The agreement was signed by the Apex leader following an
outcome of a vote by all Apex representatives.
“This is what the Apex leader told the Government
representatives at the meeting,” said Dr Sikosana.
He said while doctors were adamant that they could not go
to work, Government has put in place mechanisms to ensure transport was availed
to them.
Dr Sikosana said Government was actively looking into
issues affecting doctors.
“This is an issue Government is looking into and as far as
we are concerned, central Government has already indicated that there will be a
review on cost of living and they will get their cost of living adjustment
early this month before they get the September salaries.
“Government is already seized with these issues from the
highest office and there is that commitment that Government is working to
improve the working environment for health workers.
“Some of these improvements might not happen overnight, but
Government is working on the issues,” said Dr Sikosana.
Dr Sikosana also said yesterday’s meeting agreed that
flexible working hours for nurses should
continue, adding that there was nothing controversial about that.
The HSB says it was still open to negotiate with doctors so
that an amicable solution was found so
that patients are not inconvenienced. Herald
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