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3 600 Health Workers Receive COVID-19 Allowance

3 600 Health Workers Receive COVID-19 Allowance

The Health Services Board (HSB) said that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has availed ZWL$350 million towards the payment of health insurance allowances for health workers who contracted coronavirus.

HSB chairperson Paulinus Sikosana said 9 058 health workers contracted COVID-19, with 3 632 having received their allowances as of 21 April 2022. Said Sikosana:

As of 21 April cumulatively there were 9 058 health workers who had tested positive for COVID-19 and 27 succumbed to the pandemic.

A total of 3 632 of those infected had been paid as of 21 April 2022 while 5 426 were approved for payment and awaiting processing of the payments.

We are certain that the money [ZWL$350 million] is enough to pay every healthcare worker who has been affected.

This amount covers all the 5 426 outstanding claims that have been approved for payment at the prevailing exchange rate.

From 21 April to May 2022, HBS received 757 more claims that will require $492 050 to settle and we continue to process all these payments so that our health workers receive their payouts.

Sikosana said claimants in Grade F are paid an amount equivalent to US$1 000 whereas those below Grade F will receive payments equivalent to US$650.

Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enock Dongo confirmed that some nurses have received their allowances but implored the Government to avail adequate PPE to guarantee the protection of health workers.

More: Chronicle

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