Health Minister Urges Striking Nurses to Resume Duties Amid Salary Dispute

Harare – Zimbabwe’s Health and Child Care Minister Douglas Mombeshora has called on striking nurses to return to work, urging a suspension of industrial action to allow for what he described as “constructive dialogue” with authorities. The appeal follows a three-day nationwide nurses’ strike that began on Monday, 20 April 2026, disrupting services at major public hospitals and intensifying pressure on the country’s already strained healthcare system.

At Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, nurses staged demonstrations before dispersing and returning home, leaving patients uncertain about access to care. Meanwhile, operations at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals slowed significantly, with some nurses seen gathering in small groups as ward activity declined. Reports from the Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) indicate that nurses at United Bulawayo Hospitals also joined the protest, with police reportedly called in to disperse demonstrators.

The strike has been triggered by dissatisfaction over salaries, with nurses rejecting what they describe as a “derisory” US$30 increment for April. Healthcare workers had reportedly been expecting earnings closer to US$600 per month, in line with rising living costs.

ZINA had earlier notified the Health Services Commission (HSC) of its grievances, initially planning industrial action for 15 April. Although negotiations were held and authorities allegedly committed to improving salaries, nurses say the eventual adjustment, paid largely in local currency, fell far short of expectations. Following the outcome, the union issued a fresh 48-hour notice before proceeding with the strike.

In a statement released late Monday, Mombeshora confirmed that an extraordinary technical meeting had been convened between the Health Apex Council and the HSC to address the crisis.

“Government recognises the importance of these concerns and reaffirms its commitment to continued engagement through the appropriate channels,” Mombeshora said.

He added that discussions would be conducted in a “structured and responsible manner,” balancing the need to maintain essential health services with improving workers’ welfare.

The minister emphasised that the government, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, remains committed to resolving issues affecting citizens and public sector workers.

Mombeshora appealed directly to striking nurses to resume duties while negotiations continue.

“The Ministry appeals to these health workers who have withdrawn their services to suspend the industrial action and allow space for constructive dialogue in the best interests of patients and the nation,” he said.

Health experts warn that prolonged industrial action could have serious consequences for patient care, particularly in public hospitals that serve the majority of Zimbabweans.

“Disruptions of this scale risk compromising critical services, especially emergency and maternity care,” said a Harare-based public health analyst.

The standoff highlights ongoing tensions between the government and healthcare workers, as economic pressures continue to strain Zimbabwe’s public sector.

Zimbabwe nurses strike 2026