Healthcare workers at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in Harare staged a mass protest on Monday, March 17, decrying worsening working conditions that have crippled service delivery at one of Zimbabwe’s largest referral hospitals. The nurses, clad in their blue uniforms, sat in solidarity outside the hospital premises, holding placards with bold messages such as “No Water, No Power, No Care!” and “Our Patients Deserve Better.” The demonstration, which began early in the morning, disrupted routine hospital operations, with many staff members opting to join the protest instead of reporting for duty.
At the heart of their grievances is the dire lack of essential resources, including electricity and running water—basic necessities they say are critical to patient care.
One nurse, speaking under anonymity for fear of victimization, described the situation as a “humanitarian crisis,” highlighting how prolonged power outages and dry taps have made it nearly impossible to carry out even the most fundamental medical procedures.
“We are forced to work under inhumane conditions. How can we administer care without water to wash our hands or power to run life-saving equipment?” she lamented.
The protesting nurses also expressed frustration over the government’s continued silence on their long-standing concerns, which they argue have been ignored for years despite repeated calls for intervention. They demanded immediate action from authorities, warning that failure to address the crisis would not only put patients at greater risk but could also push more healthcare workers to seek opportunities abroad. “This is not just about our welfare; this is about the lives of the people we serve,” another nurse added.
Zimbabwe’s public healthcare system has been plagued by chronic underfunding, with medical professionals frequently engaging in industrial action to demand better wages, improved working conditions, and essential supplies.
