Govt reviewing draconian contracts for doctors

Government is re-examining the proposed new contracts for doctors following an outcry by the health workers which has clauses that discourages interns from taking part in industrial action.

The contract also denies female doctors maternity leave entitlements when they fall pregnant

Health Services Board (HSB) communications executive Mr Nyasha Maravanyika told the state run Herald that HSB's legal department was re-working the contract in liaison with the Minister of Health and Child Care Dr David Parirenyatwa.

"The contract issue is being looked into by the Minister's office, together with HSB's legal department, and we hope it will soon be complete," he said.

A new contract for junior doctors was introduced last month in a move aimed at discouraging interns from taking part in industrial action.

The initially proposed contract provided Government with the right to withhold payment of interns should they fail to report for duty over a month, or reduce payments depending on the number of days they were absent from work.

The contract stated that interns maybe paid an on-call allowance that may also be subject to review.

Before the new contract proposal was made, junior doctors were entitled benefits just like senior doctors.

Through the Zimbabwe Hospital Doctors Association (ZDHA), the junior doctors refused to sign the contracts, which they said were draconian.

Junior doctors are medical students on attachment.