Nurses Protest Low Salaries at United Bulawayo Hospitals, Demand Urgent Government Action

Bulawayo – Nurses at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) staged a peaceful but highly visible protest this week, flooding the city streets as they demanded salary increases, improved working conditions, and urgent intervention from the government. The demonstration, which drew attention from motorists and pedestrians alike, highlighted growing frustration among Zimbabwe’s public healthcare workers. Dressed in their uniforms, the nurses carried placards with messages such as “Pay Us a Living Wage” and “Save Our Healthcare System”, while chanting and singing protest songs that echoed through the city centre.

The protest comes amid mounting economic pressure in Zimbabwe, where inflation and the rising cost of living continue to erode salaries. According to data from the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, prices of basic goods and services have steadily increased over the past year, placing a significant strain on public sector workers.

“We can no longer survive on these wages,” said one nurse who declined to be named for fear of reprisal. “We are expected to save lives, but we are struggling to feed our own families.”

Healthcare workers argue that their salaries have failed to keep pace with inflation, leaving many unable to meet basic needs such as housing, transport, and food. The situation has reportedly contributed to low morale and an increase in staff attrition.

Beyond salaries, nurses also raised concerns about deteriorating working conditions in public hospitals. Protesters cited chronic staff shortages, long working hours, and limited access to essential medical supplies.

“These conditions are not just affecting us, they are affecting patients,” said another nurse. “When you are overworked and under-resourced, it becomes difficult to provide the quality care people deserve.”

Health policy experts warn that the concerns raised by the nurses reflect broader systemic challenges. According to the World Health Organization, adequate staffing and fair compensation are critical components of a functional healthcare system.

“Healthcare worker motivation is directly linked to patient outcomes,” the WHO has previously noted in its workforce reports. “Without sustained investment in human resources for health, service delivery suffers.”

As the protest unfolded, members of the public expressed solidarity with the nurses, with some applauding and others stopping to engage with demonstrators.

“I support them fully,” said a Bulawayo resident who witnessed the march. “If nurses are not treated well, the whole country suffers.”

Despite the strong emotions, the demonstration remained peaceful and orderly throughout the day, underscoring the professionalism of the healthcare workers involved.

The nurses are now calling on authorities to urgently review their salaries and address working conditions in public hospitals. They warn that failure to act could further weaken Zimbabwe’s already strained healthcare system.

“Our message is simple,” one protester said. “We need dignity, fair pay, and the tools to do our jobs.”

The demonstration adds to a growing wave of labour unrest in Zimbabwe, as public sector workers increasingly push for reforms in response to economic challenges.

UBH nurses protest