Healthcare workers at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital protested against the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, citing high food prices and poor services at their kiosk. They expressed dissatisfaction with working conditions affected by the lack of electricity and water. ZRCS has denied claims of deteriorating standards while admitting to financial difficulties amounting to US$2 million in debt.
Healthcare professionals at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare organized a protest against the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) on Monday, citing inadequate services at their kiosk. The demonstrators expressed concerns over deteriorating working conditions, emphasizing the lack of fundamental amenities such as electricity and running water that hinder effective patient care.
The protest commenced early in the morning, with numerous nurses displaying placards with messages like “No Water, No Power, No Care!” and “Our Patients Deserve Better.” In addition to their grievances about poor working conditions, the health workers objected to the high prices of food sold at the ZRCS kiosk and the inadequate service provided to hospital staff and patients.
One nurse stated, “The food at the Red Cross Kiosk is very expensive and not affordable for many of us as well as patients and ordinary people.” Additionally, they noted that kiosk cashiers only accept payment in US dollars, creating further inconveniences for those relying on local currency.
The protesting nurses underscored the failure of ZRCS to fulfill its humanitarian mission, as shown in a viral video of the demonstration where they chanted, “Red Cross inodhura! Red Cross ngaivharwe!” This sentiment reflects their view that the kiosk’s rising prices warrant its closure.
Elias Hwenga, the ZRCS secretary-general, refrained from commenting directly on the protest but maintained that the organization’s canteen provides quality, affordable services. He questioned the claims of deteriorating standards and suggested that the prices should be compared to those of other vendors in the hospital.
This protest follows concerns about ZRCS’s operational sustainability, as the organization is reportedly dealing with a US$2 million debt, which includes unpaid employee taxes. However, Hwenga dismissed these claims as false. The ZRCS operates under the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Act No 30 of 1981 and maintains an extensive presence across the country, contributing to the global Red Cross movement in 189 nations.
In summary, the protest by healthcare workers at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital sheds light on significant issues surrounding the services provided by the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society. The nurses’ demands for better working conditions, affordable food, and improved operational efficiency are central to the ongoing dialogue about public health services in Zimbabwe. The response from ZRCS officials suggests a disconnect between the organization’s perception of its service quality and the experiences reported by hospital staff and patients.
Original Source: www.newsday.co.zw
