Specialist doctors at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, the largest referral hospital in Zimbabwe, have notified hospitals of their decision to suspend their services over potential exposure to the novel coronavirus.
In a letter to the hospital’s medical superintendent last week, senior resident medical officers (SRMOs) said a sustained number of front line workers had contracted the deadly virus as a result of the inadequacy of personal protective equipment (PPEs) hence the decision to down tools.
The letter reads in part:
A considerable number of SRMOs have tested positive for SARS-COVID-19 and a sizeable number are showing symptoms of COVID-19 and await to be tested.
They further implored the superintendent’s office to order mandatory tests for all patients who are admitted.
The development comes when nurses have for a sustained period of time been on industrial action over poor salaries and potential exposure to Coronavirus.
Meanwhile, Dr Agness Mahomva, the chief coordinator for the national response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the Office of the President and Cabinet (OPC) recently said the health and welfare of frontline workers was a priority for the government.
Over 300 health caregivers have so far tested positive for the Coronavirus while some have since defected to the private sector in search of better conditions of service and remuneration.