Healthcare workers at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital protested against the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society, citing poor kiosk services and high food prices as central issues. They raised alarms over insufficient basic amenities that hinder patient care. ZRCS officials defended their services and dismissed claims of inefficiency amid financial challenges faced by the organization.
Healthcare professionals at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare organized a protest on Monday against the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society (ZRCS), criticizing the humanitarian organization for its inadequate services at its kiosk. They voiced concerns regarding deteriorating working conditions that have hampered operations at one of Zimbabwe’s main referral hospitals. Key issues included the lack of essential amenities such as electricity and running water, which impede their ability to deliver proper patient care.
The protest commenced early on Monday, with numerous nurses displaying placards inscribed with slogans like “No Water, No Power, No Care!” and “Our Patients Deserve Better.” Participants expressed dissatisfaction over the high prices of food sold at the ZRCS kiosk, along with complaints about the subpar service provided. Additionally, protesters noted that kiosk cashiers refused to accept local currency, only allowing transactions in US dollars, which posed challenges for both hospital staff and patients.
One nurse stated, “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’s refusal of local currency, highlighting the added burden on those unable to pay in US dollars. The nurses further raised alarms about ZRCS’s inability to fulfill its humanitarian mandate, calling for a reevaluation of the kiosk’s operations.
During the demonstration, a video surfaced online capturing the essence of the nurses’ discontent, with chants such as, “Red Cross inodhura! Red Cross ngaivharwe!” echoing through the hospital premises. Their collective action emphasized a need for improvements, particularly related to the kiosk’s pricing and its impact on healthcare delivery.
ZRCS Secretary-General Elias Hwenga declined to comment specifically on the protest, stating, “I cannot speak on behalf of the authorities as the nurses were airing their views to their administration.” He defended the canteen’s quality and affordability, questioning the claims regarding operational standards and inviting comparison with other vendors in the hospital.
This protest highlights ongoing concerns regarding ZRCS, which has been under financial duress, with a reported debt of US$2 million, including substantial unpaid employee taxes owed to the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority. Nevertheless, Hwenga dismissed these assertions of operational inefficiency as untrue. ZRCS operates under the humanitarian mandate articulated in the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society Act No. 30 of 1981, maintaining branches across the nation and aligning with the global Red Cross movement in 189 countries.
In summary, healthcare workers at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital protested against the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society due to poor services and high prices at its kiosk. The demonstration brought attention to critical issues such as lack of essential amenities and financial difficulties faced by ZRCS. Despite these challenges, the ZRCS leadership refuted claims of deteriorating service quality. The situation underscores the vital intersection of humanitarian aid and healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe.
Original Source: www.newsday.co.zw
