By Talent Gondo| The health services sector has received a major boost amid revelations that nurses have been awarded their outstanding allowances as agreed during negotiations which ended the crippling strike last April.
The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) advised its members that the government has acceded to some of its requests following continued engagements woth their employer.
The nurses received between US$800 – US$5 200.
GOOD EVENING COMRADES
We are just coming from a meeting with HSB, MOHCC, Minister Parirenyatwa, Chief Charumbira, Ministry of Finance, Pastors, Elders, Priest(s) and ZINA Executive.
The employer promised to effect the following allowances by Thursday 19 April 2018:
Night duty allowance to be paid by the following grades DI -D4 at a rate of $217-$303 (unclaimable).
Standby allowance for Rural Health Centre Staff to be paid at a rate of $240 for grades C5 to D$ unclaimable.
Post Basic allowance $70 for one and $80 for two.
Grading and advancement arrears to be paid on the same date.
Rationalisation of allowances to be disclosed tomorrow
We are almost there
Aluta
However, there were mixed feelings among the nurses as some of them still felt that it was a mistake. Others said they did not understand the criteria used in making the payments.
“I still can’t believe that this money is finally here and it is mine,” said one nurse stationed at a government hospital in Mashonaland West.
The nurse however said colleagues were disgruntled that they had received US$800 yet others had got US$5 000.
“This is good news for me and I am motivated to offer the best of service because at least government has shown commitment to addressing our plight,” said another nurse at a local hospital in the capital Harare.