ZIMBABWE’S public sector nurses have warned of imminent strike action unless the government responds to demands for increased salaries, with a target of at least US$840 per month.

According to the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (Zina), public sector nurses currently earn a combined US$400 in both ZiG and US dollars.

Negotiations over improved pay and working conditions have been on-going for several years, leading to periodic strikes. However, the most significant deadlocks occurred about two years ago when other civil servants joined the push for a pay hike to US$840.

In an interview with the Zimbabwe Independent this week, Zina president Enock Dongo said government must act swiftly to prevent a strike.

The Independent is currently running a series of stories exposing the poor service delivery gripping Zimbabwe’s health delivery system.

“We were looking at US$840 as a minimum that can motivate our people,” Dongo said.

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“If they can get that amount per month that will really go a long way as far as retaining and maintaining those who are there and motivating them to try to give services.

“We are also looking for government to at least provide nurses with accommodation,” he said.

A recent survey of the country’s largest hospitals revealed the dire state of Zimbabwe’s health delivery system, highlighting severe drug shortages, dilapidated infrastructure, a lack of medical equipment and other problems severely impacting medical treatment.

Patients often endure long waits, only to be told to purchase expensive medicine from private pharmacies. One doctor said they have had to personally pay for patients’ medicines due to the severity of the crisis.

Over the years, many issues have plagued Parirenyatwa Hospital, for instance. These include lack of medical supplies, equipment, and essential tools.

“When nurses go on strike people die, we do not want our relatives, friends, and colleagues to die because nurses are on strike,” Dongo said.

“That is why we are engaging with the government on a serious note. But definitely we have no choice if they fail to resolve the grievances that we are raising.

“Our plan is to keep on negotiating, but we also want to urge the government not to ignore us. They should not keep quiet. They should not act as if they don't see that the remuneration in the public hospitals is not adequate.

“So if they don’t address these issues, they will leave us with no choice but to strike.

“If we fail to  reach an agreement, the nurses will go on strike, which is really unfortunate. So, we expect these issues to be addressed,” he added.

Dongo noted that the deteriorating economic environment was also worsening the plight of nurses. Health and Childcare minister Douglas Mombeshora did not respond to the Independent's questions.