Staff Reporter

In a shocking revelation, Data Entry Clerks, Microscopists, and Counsellors working under the Global Fund in Zimbabwe’s Ministry of Health have come forward to expose the stark disparities in their salaries. Despite earning in USD, these essential healthcare workers are paid a pittance, with the government delaying their payments and the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority deducting a significant chunk of their wages.

These dedicated professionals, who play a vital role in the country’s healthcare system, are left with a meager USD $230 after deductions, which include:

– Aids Levy
– Pay as You Earn (PAYE)
– NSSA deductions

Furthermore, they are not receiving Covid-19 allowances, despite being exposed to the virus and other diseases like Tuberculosis, putting their lives at risk daily.

In stark contrast, their superiors at the Harare head office enjoy lavish perks, including:

– Brand new Toyota Land Cruisers
– Fuel coupons for attending “useless workshops” where they receive hefty allowances
– The ability to afford brand new Mercedes Benz vehicles every year

The affected workers are struggling to make ends meet, and their children are suffering as a result. They cannot afford to send their children to good schools or boarding schools, a stark contrast to their superiors who enjoy better privileges.

“We are the backbone of the healthcare system, yet we are treated like second-class citizens,” said a Data Entry Clerk, who wished to remain anonymous. “We work tirelessly to ensure accurate data, diagnose diseases, and provide counseling services, but our efforts are not valued.”

The Microscopists and Counsellors echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the emotional toll of their struggles. “We are overworked and underpaid. Our work requires precision and dedication, but our compensation does not reflect our expertise,” said a Microscopist. The Counsellors added, “We provide critical support to patients, but our own well-being is neglected. We cannot continue like this.”

The workers are calling for urgent attention to their plight, demanding:

– Fair salaries
– Timely payments
– Review of deductions by the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority
– Covid-19 allowances
– Equal benefits and allowances as their superiors
– An end to the lavish perks and misuse of resources by superiors

The government and relevant authorities must take immediate action to rectify this injustice and ensure that these essential workers receive the compensation they deserve. Only then can Zimbabwe’s healthcare heroes continue to serve with dignity and dedication, knowing that their hard work is valued and recognized.

The affected workers, who have been struggling to make ends meet, have now pinned their hopes on His Excellency President Emmerson Mnangagwa and the First Lady, Dr. Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa, to intervene and address their plight.

“We believe that His Excellency and the First Lady, who has been a champion of healthcare development, will listen to our cries and come to our rescue,” said a Data Entry Clerk. “We are not asking for much, just fair compensation for our hard work and dedication.”

The healthcare workers are optimistic that the President and the First Lady will use their influence to ensure that their salaries are reviewed, and they receive the benefits they deserve. They are also hoping that the First Lady’s experience in the healthcare sector will help her understand their challenges and advocate for their rights.

“We are grateful for the First Lady’s efforts in promoting healthcare development in Zimbabwe,” said a Counsellor. “We believe that she will understand our struggles and help us get the recognition we deserve.”

The workers are now waiting anxiously for a response from the President and the First Lady, hoping that their pleas will be heard and addressed. They remain committed to their work, but their morale and motivation are dwindling due to the unfair treatment they are receiving.

Only time will tell if the President and the First Lady will intervene and rescue these healthcare heroes, who are the backbone of Zimbabwe’s healthcare system.