Healthcare workers at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital protested the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, citing poor services at its kiosk and deteriorating working conditions. They expressed dissatisfaction over high food prices and the refusal of cashiers to accept local currency. The secretary-general of ZRCS disputed the complaints, while operational debt challenges were confirmed in a recent financial update.
On Monday, healthcare workers at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare held a protest, highlighting their grievances against the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS). The nurses accused the humanitarian organization of inadequate services offered at its kiosk and brought attention to worsening working conditions that hinder operations at one of Zimbabwe’s largest referral hospitals. They specifically cited serious deficiencies in basic amenities like electricity and running water crucial for patient care.
The protest commenced early in the day, with nurses displaying placards bearing messages such as “No Water, No Power, No Care!” and “Our Patients Deserve Better.” Additionally, they voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the high prices of food sold at the ZRCS kiosk and the substandard service provided. The protesters alleged that cashiers at the kiosk refused to accept local currency, creating challenges for staff and patients alike.
A nurse expressed concern, stating, “The food at the Red Cross Kiosk is very expensive and not affordable for many of us as well as patients and ordinary people.” Another pointed out, “The kiosk staff does not accept the local currency; they want us to pay in US dollars only.”
The health workers voiced alarm over the deteriorating operations of ZRCS, stating its inability to fulfill its role as a humanitarian organization. A viral video from the protest featured nursing staff chanting, “Red Cross inodhura! Red Cross ngaivharwe!” demanding that the ZRCS kiosk be shut down due to its rising costs.
Elias Hwenga, the ZRCS secretary-general, declined to comment specifically on the protest, stating he could not represent the nurses’ views but maintained that the organization’s canteen offers quality and affordable services. He questioned the validity of the complaints, asking, “What standards have deteriorated that you talk about? Did you bother to check how much we charge for our goods and compare them with others within the same hospital?”
The protest coincided with reports of ZRCS’s operational challenges, with a recent financial statement revealing the organization is grappling with a US$2 million debt, including unpaid taxes to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. Nevertheless, Hwenga refuted the claims of deteriorating service as unfounded. ZRCS, established under the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Act No 30 of 1981, has widespread branches and operates within the global Red Cross movement in 189 countries.
The protest by healthcare workers at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital underscores significant issues pertaining to the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society’s service provision and operational challenges. The healthcare workers articulated their discontent over exorbitant prices and poor service at the Red Cross kiosk, while also confronting infrastructural inadequacies in their work environment. Despite claims of operational debt and service decline, ZRCS officials maintain the organization delivers affordable offerings. This situation calls for a critical review of service delivery standards and the ZRCS’s role within the healthcare system.
Original Source: www.newsday.co.zw
