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'Only God can reward nurses,' says Zimbabwean minister
2 hrs ago |
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Zimbabwe's Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, has stirred strong reactions after telling nurses that no government or employer can fully compensate their work, insisting that "only God can reward a nurse" as pressure mounts over salaries and working conditions in the public health sector.
Speaking during International Nurses Day commemorations at The Avenues Clinic in Harare, Kwidini acknowledged growing frustration among nurses demanding between US$600 and US$800 in monthly salaries, but cautioned that government could not meet those expectations due to financial constraints.
"We asked ourselves if there is anyone in this world with the capacity to adequately pay a nurse," he said. "A nurse cannot truly be paid by anyone - only God can reward a nurse."
His remarks come at a time of heightened tension in Zimbabwe's health sector, where nurses are protesting low pay - reportedly ranging between US$300 and US$500 per month - as well as poor working conditions, shortages of medical supplies, and strained hospital infrastructure.
Kwidini said while government recognises nurses' concerns, salary increases will only be gradual. "It does not make sense to break the bank for nurses when we do not have enough money," he said, adding that improvements to welfare would continue within available fiscal limits.
He also defended government investment in infrastructure such as nurses' accommodation at Parirenyatwa Hospital, saying patient care is directly linked to staff welfare, despite public criticism that resources should prioritise salaries.
The deputy minister further urged nurses to reflect on professionalism and workplace attitudes, arguing that internal culture within the profession also needs improvement.
His comments were echoed by The Avenues Clinic general manager Sibusisiwe Ndhlovu, who described nursing as a "calling" rather than just a job, while praising nurses for continuing to serve under difficult conditions.
The statements have reignited debate over health sector funding, with many nurses arguing that moral recognition alone is insufficient without meaningful improvements in pay and working conditions amid Zimbabwe's ongoing economic pressures.
Speaking during International Nurses Day commemorations at The Avenues Clinic in Harare, Kwidini acknowledged growing frustration among nurses demanding between US$600 and US$800 in monthly salaries, but cautioned that government could not meet those expectations due to financial constraints.
"We asked ourselves if there is anyone in this world with the capacity to adequately pay a nurse," he said. "A nurse cannot truly be paid by anyone - only God can reward a nurse."
His remarks come at a time of heightened tension in Zimbabwe's health sector, where nurses are protesting low pay - reportedly ranging between US$300 and US$500 per month - as well as poor working conditions, shortages of medical supplies, and strained hospital infrastructure.
He also defended government investment in infrastructure such as nurses' accommodation at Parirenyatwa Hospital, saying patient care is directly linked to staff welfare, despite public criticism that resources should prioritise salaries.
The deputy minister further urged nurses to reflect on professionalism and workplace attitudes, arguing that internal culture within the profession also needs improvement.
His comments were echoed by The Avenues Clinic general manager Sibusisiwe Ndhlovu, who described nursing as a "calling" rather than just a job, while praising nurses for continuing to serve under difficult conditions.
The statements have reignited debate over health sector funding, with many nurses arguing that moral recognition alone is insufficient without meaningful improvements in pay and working conditions amid Zimbabwe's ongoing economic pressures.
Source - ZiFM Stereo
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