The Zimbabwean government has passed a law that outlaws strikes lasting more than 72 hours in the health sector and imposes prison sentences of up to six months for violating the regulations.
The Zimbabwe Association of Physicians for Human Rights has condemned the measure in a statement, describing it as «draconian». It also warned that this will lead to more doctors seeking work outside the country.
An estimated 4,000 health workers have resigned over the past year, which has been marked by several strikes calling for a salary increase due to the plummeting local currency and rising inflation, as well as more equipment and improved facilities.
The measure was approved by Parliament last November and has now been introduced in the country’s official Gazette.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
