Healthcare Workers Protest Poor Services at Zimbabwe Red Cross Kiosk
Healthcare workers at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital protested against the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society for poor service and high food prices at its kiosk. They highlighted issues such as lack of essentials like electricity and water, impacting patient care. The protest drew attention to operational failures amidst significant debt faced by ZRCS. Secretary-general Elias Hwenga did not directly address the protest but refuted allegations of deteriorating service.
Healthcare workers at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare organized a protest on Monday, voicing concerns over the inadequate services provided by the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS) at its kiosk. The protesters reported deteriorating working conditions at one of the nation’s largest referral hospitals, attributing the worsening situation to a lack of essential amenities, notably electricity and running water, which greatly hinder patient care.
The demonstration started in the morning, with numerous nurses displaying placards that read, “No Water, No Power, No Care!” and “Our Patients Deserve Better.” Additionally, there was dissatisfaction regarding the high prices of food sold at the ZRCS kiosk and the quality of service. Protesters highlighted that the kiosk cashiers only accepted US dollars, which posed further difficulties for staff and patients alike.
A nurse at the hospital remarked, “The food at the Red Cross Kiosk is very expensive and not affordable for many of us as well as patients and ordinary people.” They further expressed frustration over the necessity to use US dollars, which limits access for many hospital patrons.
The healthcare workers emphasized their discontent concerning the Red Cross’s failure to fulfill its humanitarian mandate. During the protest, some could be heard chanting, “Red Cross inodhura! Red Cross ngaivharwe!” asserting that the kiosk should be shut down due to its exorbitant prices.
Elias Hwenga, the ZRCS secretary-general, declined to comment on the protest, stating that the nurses were expressing their grievances to their administration. He claimed, “All I know is that our canteen at the hospital provides excellent and affordable services. What standards have deteriorated that you talk about?” He challenged the demonstrators to verify their claims against the pricing of similar services within the hospital.
This protest highlights ongoing issues within the ZRCS, which is recognized as one of Zimbabwe’s major humanitarian organizations, facing operational challenges and a reported US$2 million debt, including unpaid taxes. Hwenga dismissed the claims of operational failure and stated they were unfounded. It is worth noting that the ZRCS is governed by the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Act No 30 of 1981 and provides essential services nationwide as part of the global Red Cross movement across 189 countries.
The protest by healthcare workers at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital underscores significant frustrations regarding the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society’s kiosk operations. Deteriorating conditions within the hospital, alongside the high prices and currency acceptance issues at the kiosk, exacerbate the challenges faced by both staff and patients. This incident sheds light on the pressing need for improvement in humanitarian services and operational standards, especially for an organization of ZRCS’s stature.
Original Source: www.newsday.co.zw
