The Sunday Mail
Sunday Mail Reporter
The newly formed Nurses and Midwives Association in Government (NMAG) says it will push for better working conditions for health workers but will not support any job action by its members.
The association, which was launched last week in Harare, seeks to give priority to patients while also lobbying for better perks.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, founder and chairperson, Dr Pisirai Ndarukwa, said the new body would not support industrial action.
“At the primary importance of our services is the patient, and we believe that no patient should be turned away from healthcare facilities or be denied healthcare services due to non-availability of health workers at any given time. We do not subscribe to the notion of industrial action at the expense of patients,” said Dr Ndarukwa.
He said NMAG supports Government’s position to offer non-monetary incentives when Treasury coffers are insufficient to meet demands of healthcare workers.
“We are not looking at monetary benefits alone, but a wide spectrum of rewards which will improve motivation and production by nurses and midwives. In doing so, we are going to engage the Government to prioritise healthcare workers in developmental projects.”
The association, he added, believes in productive engagement between parties to create a win-win situation for its members, Government and patients.
“Our members will stand resolute with the patients while engagement will be occurring between the employer and the employees.”
