Jnr Doctors are Doctors too

Yet again, we have reached that point of deep reflection and judgment.

Many have heard about the doctors' strike and some might have actually grown tired of it.

However, an independent standpoint would not do any harm.

I am revisiting the matter now because it continues to crop up yearly without a solution.

Are there no answers or the plight of doctors is being ignored to the obvious detriment of the important health of the nation?

I have read numerous articles that seem to castigate doctors who have gone on strike.

As a health professional myself, I would like to clarify one important aspect. The striking health professionals are our kith and kin.

They come from families like yours and mine. I believe, as a nation, we need to pay attention to their concerns and not quickly judge them.

This strike is not only confined to interns as some believe, but involves most personnel in Zimbabwe's health delivery system.

It stretches from specialists/consultants to all hospital and clinic staff as their concerns do not arise in isolation.

The term "junior doctors" has been wrongly used in some sections to imply that they are not "real" doctors.

I find this unfortunate as these doctors are indeed "real" doctors and have the immense responsibility of the nation's health.

Having worked there, I know the system works as a team.

If there is a weak link in the chain, then the whole system collapses.

This fact is sad because it is us, the general populace, who benefit from a functional health delivery system as we definitely cannot afford foreign medical care.

My heart bleeds because most health systems in the region are manned by Zimbabwe's sons and daughters.

This saddens me because all of them are powerless to help their own.

It is even sadder to note that other countries benefiting from the expertise of Zimbabweans are doing so by simply maintaining a basic income for these professionals who include nurses, doctors, laboratory scientists, pharmacists and physiotherapists, among others.

My question to the authorities is: As a nation, how can we pride ourselves in having a brilliant medical school and then not pay the doctors adequately?

The doctors in question here earn US$282 per month and this is certainly insufficient to cover basics like rentals, transport, food, school fees, medical aid, etcetera.

It is sad to learn that they get US15 cents per hour in overtime allowances. Yes, US15 cents an hour, totalling US$90 a month!

This is sad given that doctors are responsible for our lives around the clock.

They are also prone to infection (Ebola included) and injury.

If a doctor were to get ill or injured in an accident, they would not afford medical care at their very own workplaces.

This is a fact that the doctors highlighted when they embarked on the strike after numerous and fruitless consultations with their employers.

The doctors are just asking for fair earnings of US$1 200.

In fact, the amount they are requesting is far less than what most of their colleagues in the region are earning – over US$2 400.

Further, it is sad that some, if not all affected hospitals, have run out of basics.

These doctors have given up opportunities to leave the country for greener pastures because of their passion and desire to help their fellow countrymen.

Consultants have always sympathised with the doctors, and have rightfully and dutifully joined them in the strike after careful consideration.

This is in no way meant to harm the population.

The objective is to achieve a quick solution to avert disastrous consequences to the health delivery system.

I regret the loss of life that could be witnessed during the strike. At the same time, I implore authorities to find a lasting solution.

Dr Simbarashe Ndoda (MBchB-UZ) has professional work experience in Zimbabwe and Namibia.