STRIKING doctors will not attend the November 1 disciplinary hearing by Government claiming demanding salary increases was within their rights, HealthTimes has learnt.
By Kudakwashe Pembere
In an interview with Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZHDA) secretary general Dr Tawanda Zvakada said demanding a fair wage did not warrant a disciplinary hearing.
“We believe we have not committed any misconduct by demanding a fair living wage,” he said. “No one is attending any hearing.”
The doctors are expected to appear for disciplinary hearings for being on industrial action for nearly two months on November 1.
Acting Health and Child Care Minister Senator Monica Mutsvangwa on Tuesday during the Post Cabinet Media briefing said the labour action by doctors constrained public hospitals.
“Cabinet was informed by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, as the Acting Minister of Health and Child Care, that the Public Hospitals Medical Doctors’ strike has now gone beyond fifty six (56) days. Medical services at the hospitals remain constrained, especially at Harare and Bulawayo hospitals where the absence of doctors is more pronounced.
“As such, disciplinary hearings for the striking doctors who did not comply with the Labour Court judgement directing them to return to work within the prescribes period will commence on Friday, 1st November, 2019. The doctors have confirmed receipt of disciplinary hearings papers,” she said.
She added that they will not receive their salaries.
“The doctors have confirmed receipt of disciplinary hearings papers. Meanwhile, salaries will only be paid to doctors who were providing services. Government has also intensified efforts to sustainably ameliorate the situation in the public health sector,” Senator Mutsvangwa said.
