Government Weighs Higher Risk and Health Allowances for Public Health Workers

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

The Government is considering increasing health-specific and risk allowances for public health workers as part of efforts to cushion them against rising economic pressures, Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora has told Parliament.

Speaking in the National Assembly, Mombeshora said the proposal, submitted by health workers, is being jointly assessed by the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare and the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion. The review comes amid continued calls by nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals for improved remuneration and better working conditions in Zimbabwe's public health sector.

Responding to questions on measures being taken to address concerns raised by health workers employed at public health institutions, Mombeshora said Government was considering adjustments in line with economic realities and available financial resources.

"The Government is further evaluating a submission made by the health workers to increase health-specific and risk allowances applicable to health workers according to prevailing economic conditions and available fiscal space," he said.

He said the proposed package is intended to help health workers cope with the rising cost of living while ensuring any salary-related commitments remain fiscally sustainable.

Mombeshora explained that remuneration issues for public sector health workers are handled through the Bipartite Negotiation Panel (BNP), the formal platform for engagement between Government and employee representatives. He said consultations had already been held between the Health Services Commission (HSC) and health workers, resulting in revised proposals that are now being processed by the relevant ministries before a final decision is made.

"The discussions have already taken place, and the revised proposals are now under consideration by the relevant Government ministries," he said.

The minister said Government is also considering concerns over transport allowances, which health workers say no longer reflect the cost of travelling to and from work. He was responding to Mbizo legislator Corban Madzivanyika (CCC), who asked what measures Government was taking to address complaints that the current transport allowance had been overtaken by inflation and increasing transport costs.

Health workers' unions have repeatedly called for improved salaries and allowances, arguing that better remuneration is essential to retain skilled professionals, improve morale and strengthen service delivery in public hospitals and clinics. The Government has maintained that any adjustments to salaries and benefits must take into account available fiscal resources while balancing competing national priorities. The outcome of the ongoing review is expected to determine whether health workers receive enhanced allowances in the current fiscal year.

Douglas Mombeshora