Let's settle the dust in the healthy sector urgently

The fact that things are not well in the healthy sector is a major concern to all of us as citizens of this country. It is a right that every individual should access excellent healthy services from the responsible authorities.

Its now the second week since junior doctors decided to put down their tools demanding a pay rise from their employer who is the Government. It is alleged that the junior doctors are receiving $282 as their monthly salary hence they are demanding $1200 excluding allowances.

Strikes are a strategy used by an employee or group of employees in an attempt to force an employer to meet their demands whether economic or otherwise.

The on-going strike by junior doctors has a negative impact on the quality of healthcare services. Such strikes also affect the relationship that exists between doctors and patients. It is well known that strikes are lawful, but the consequences they cause have a strong pinch on the patients. Health workers are essential for healthcare. The doctor's absence at work threatens the health of the general public. It also destabilizes the operations of the healthy systems.

It is noted that senior doctors who were on duty in public hospitals like Harare hospital were only attending patients who were critically ill while those who were not seriously ill were sent back home.

Currently, the country is facing financial problems. These junior doctors should be aware of the liquidity crisis that the country is experiencing at the moment. What is of paramount importance presently is the interest of patients.  The decision that was made by junior doctors to compromise the health care of patients is not only disappointing but profoundly disturbing mainly because people's lives are entrusted into their hands.

The Ministry of Health and Child Care should have a dialogue with the junior doctors to find a lasting solution to this problem.

For now, a consensus between government and doctors should be reached immediately. Doctor's strikes may prop up high mortality rate in public hospitals. Imagine if Ebola was to be detected in Zimbabwe today with this current situation, how many will survive? I understand that junior doctors have an obligation to first serve the government and their interests later. In actual fact, they should publicly commit themselves at the beginning of their careers as health care of patients is of great concerns.

In addition, junior doctors should fully appreciate the dedication and hard work which is required to provide medical care in the public sector in view of the terrible health crises and challenges that patients experience in the entire nation. Some of the healthy challenges include cancer, diabetes, tuberculosis, high or low blood pressure problems as well as maternal and child healthy problems.

It is of paramount importance to note that the loss of lives of bread-winners due to doctors' strike causes poverty and puts pressure on families, society and the economy. To add on to that, most specialist doctors are hiking their charges well above the stipulated price which most patients are unable to pay for the services. However, if such issues persist, patients will opt to go to foreign countries to seek medical attention.

There are a number of free services that these junior doctors receive other than their salaries. Most junior doctors stay in government flats where they do not pay any rent and bills. Free accommodation is a privilege that these junior doctors enjoy which is not enjoyed by most civil servants. On top of that, they get accommodation allowances like other civil servants.

Considering these and other favorable factors, junior doctors should bear in mind that their strike does not hold much water but it actually paints a bad picture against our beloved country.

The Healthy Services Board was quoted in some sections of the media saying that all salaries for the healthy sector will only be reviewed next year. In line with that, it is also noted that the Ministry of Finance is expected to present the national budget on 27 November. Therefore, these junior doctors should be urged to resume their operations as the government will look into their grievances.

In addition, medical aid societies have lost their taste because most doctors are not accepting them. The responsible authorities should closely look at this issue as it is affecting subscribers of medical aid societies who pay their subscriptions monthly. In most cases, most medical aid society members suffer as they are made to pay a shortfall when they receive healthy care services by medical practitioners. In this view, medical aid societies therefore cease to serve their purpose.

In line with that, it would be also wiser for the Ministry of Defence to deploy army doctors to these public hospitals so that they will assist middle and senior doctors by lessening the burden that they are incurring.

If this strike by junior doctors continues like that, as a country we risk the chance to lose and attract potential foreign investors. This will however damage our economy because no investor would want to invest in a country where doctors are not functioning especially in this era of ebola.

Lastly, the Government with its due attentiveness will arrive at a lasting solution towards the hiccups that the healthy sector is currently experiencing. Everything will be on track to arrest the challenges in this sector.