By Own Correspondent| As the strike by doctors entered the second day, government hospitals are considering closing the outpatients’ departments and discharging all patients.

Health and Child Care Minister Obediah Moyo has however implored all striking doctors to go back to work arguing that their strike was illegal.

Moyo said all doctors who do not heed the call to immediately report for duty risk losing their salaries.

Said Moyo:

“…..foreign currency to buy medicines is scarce let alone to pay the workers. While government will look into some of the challenges raised, it is highly unlikely that workers will be paid in forex.”

The doctors are protesting against inadequate allowances, poor working conditions and lack of essential drugs and equipment at public hospitals.

They have also demanded to be paid in foreign currency citing inflation and the increase in the price of goods.