AS part of efforts to retain skilled healthcare professionals, government has announced that a raft of measures including a subsidized vehicle loan scheme were in the pipeline.
By Michael Gwarisa
Briefing Journalists during a post cabinet media briefing, Information minister, Senorita Monica Mutsvangwa said government was focusing on accelerating the provision of non-monetary benefits to health workers as a short to medium-term measure to stem the brain drain observed in the health sector.
Accordingly, completion of the model flats to be constructed for health professionals across the country’s provinces is being expedited. The Civil Servants vehicle loan scheme rates are being reviewed, while a strategy whereby Government acquires vehicles for health worker beneficiaries, with the loan being amortised through an agreed framework is being worked out.
“Regarding the provision of canteen or cafeteria services at health institutions, seed money will be provided to revamp and operationalise existing canteens as well as construct new ones were the facilities are not available. Updates on the other issues will be announced in due course once significant progress has been made,” said minister Mutsvangwa.
Meanwhile, speaking on the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, Sen Mutsvangwa said 3 228 506 people had received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine as at 18 October, 2021, while 2 486 318 had received their second dose.
“These figures translate to a national coverage of 37.9% for the first dose and 29.1% for the second dose. A vaccination campaign involving the local leadership has been introduced in Chitungwiza to raise the vaccination levels in the dormitory town. Similar campaigns will be conducted in most cities led by provincial taskforce teams.”
Government wishes to assure the nation the country has adequate supplies of the licensed COVID-19 vaccines. Members of the public are therefore urged to get vaccinated as this will go a long way in mitigating the severity of the disease and curtailing its spread, thereby reducing the chances of a fourth COVID-19 outbreak in the country.
