Doctors in Zimbabwe are asking the government to improve its budgetary allocation for health from its present 8.9% to 15% in line with the Abuja Declaration.
“This is unacceptable and will not improve the precarious situation in the public health institutions.”
They noted that over the years, inadequate financing has crippled critical hospital functions, provision of essential medicines, availability of protective clothing for health personnel and equipment.
In the same vein, civil society organisations in the country have appealed to the government to urgently address the grave dire situation facing hospitals as a result of lengthy strike by doctors.
They bemoaned the current deadlock between government and the professionals, now in its fifth week, resulting in loss of lives and an affront to the citizens’ right to healthcare, dignity and life.
The doctors are demanding better salaries and improved working conditions.
