By A Correspondent- Government has expressed commitment towards improving the conditions of service for all health care workers.

Said the Health minister Obediah Moyo while issuing a ministerial statement to parliament Wednesday:

“Over the past few years, Government has made various attempts to cushion all civil servants with general and sector specific allowances such as specific allowances.

However, the current harsh economic environment has presented a major challenge to sustaining the cushion effect of these allowance increments.

Government is committed to continuously undertaking review and evaluation of various incentives in line with its ability to meet commitments.

–Bipartite negotiation forums

–Other discussions and engagements

–Health Institution engaging with their workers.

·       Outcome of the Bipartite Negotiations (Monetary incentives):

–COLA (30%; 60% increases)

–Health specific allowances increased by 100%

–Bonus reinstated

Outcome of the Bipartite and Other Negotiations (non-Monetary):

–Car loan scheme with duty free component

–Housing loan scheme

–Fuel provision of Health Institutions

–Meals and refreshments at work place

–ZUPCO/Public Service bus service – Transport to work

Provision of Tools of Trade:

-Improved availability of medicines and sundries

–New Board with a strong Board Chair

–Medicines availability stable

–Sourcing of new equipment and putting in place maintenance contracts for existing equipment is in progress.

–Private Public Partnerships being vigorously pursued.”