Earlier this week we wrote about how the Zimbabwean government had set up a committee to look into the mass exodus of healthcare workers. There has been a record number of Zimbabwean nurses, doctors and other healthcare workers leaving the country for greener pastures.

Most of them do this because they feel like the government is underpaying them. Whenever they demand better pay or incentives the government has always dragged its feet or lashed out. At one point the government fired all the nurses who went on strike over remuneration and working conditions.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, however, demand for doctors, nurses and healthcare workers has risen everywhere. Disgruntled Zimbabwean healthcare workers are finding ready employment outside Zimbabwe with the UK being a popular destination. Faced with such massive brain drain the government has started scrambling. They set up a committee to look into the issue of brain drain.

According to Minister Mutsvangwa, some of the issues to be looked at include the offering of free WiFi, transport and food in canteens. it’s doubtful this will sway those who want to leave though as it seems like a case of too little too late.

Free Wi – Fi, food and transport to keep health workers from leaving the country @bbmhlanga https://t.co/N0fLs4pMIY pic.twitter.com/caN6iLHD9Q
— HStvNews (@HStvNews) October 13, 2021