…nursing efficiency across the country at present sits at less than 7%.

By Farai D Hove| The Zimbabwean government currently battling with the nurse strike, won a reprieve from the arrival of over 40 doctors from Cuba.

The practitioners are part of a long standing deal with the island nation that goes back to more than 20 years during the days of former President Robert Mugabe. The arrangement has included teacher exchange programs which have seen Zimbabwe’s educators being flown to Cuba to study and work there.

They are to work for over 2 years.

Cuba’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Carmelina Ramirez Rodriquez told the state media the doctors will be stationed at different hospitals countrywide.

“The doctors are in the country as part of a long-standing bilateral agreement between Cuba and Zimbabwe that has existed for more than 30 years now.

“Each year, Cuba sends a medical brigade to assist in Zimbabwe’s health sector,” Ambassador Rodriquez was quoted saying.

Will the Cuban doctors fix Zimbabwe’s hospital crisis?  The country’s health system is in limbo at present following the ongoing nurse strike.  As of yesterday, Vice President Constantino Chiwenga obtained back up from military personnel to assist at major hospitals. It leaves to remain however if the backup staff can cover the labour gap since over the number of striking nurses goes beyond 20,000. An analyst yesterday said nursing efficiency across the country at present sits at less than 7%.