STAFF WRITER
Government says it will revamp the provision of canteens or cafeteria services at health institutions as a non-monetary short to medium-term measure to stem the brain drain observed in the health sector.
Addressing a post-Cabinet briefing on Tuesday, Information minister Monica Mutsvangwa said the measures were part of accelerating a judicious adjustment of monetary benefits to stem the continued migration of health professionals.
Zimbabwe recently set-up an inter-ministerial committee to identify the cause of brain drain in the health sector
This comes as the supply of health workers remains low and has been worsened by their migration to developed countries.
The southern African country, as with many other African states, has been battling to compete economically with industrialised countries in the same health labour market.
“Regarding the provision of canteen or cafeteria services at health institutions, seed money will be provided to revamp and operationalise existing canteens as well as construct new ones were the facilities are not available,” Mutsvangwa said.
“A completion of the model flats to be constructed for health professionals across the country’s provinces is being expedited,” she continued.
“The Civil Servants vehicle loan scheme rates are being reviewed, while a strategy whereby Government acquires vehicles for health worker beneficiaries, with the loan being amortised through an agreed framework is being worked out,” Mutsvangwa added.
“Updates on the other issues will be announced in due course once significant progress has been made.”
She added that Zimbabwe continues to pursue bilateral agreements with destination countries for the country’s health professionals within the World Health Organisation framework
