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Doctors strike ends

    JOHANNESBURG

    Doctors in Zimbabwe’s public health service returned to work on Friday seven weeks after going on strike in a quest of better pay, medical equipment and working conditions.

    A government spokeswoman told IRIN: “We are most relieved that this action is now over and that the doctors have accepted our written undertaking pledging better salaries at the start of the year 2000.”

    The strike started on 21 September when 400 junior and middle-level doctors, forced closure of most services at government hospitals and rural clinics, leaving volunteer private doctors to handle emergency cases. For a population of 12 million, Zimbabwe only has a total of 800 public health doctors.

    The government, which has deplored the departure of many doctors for more lucrative posts abroad, has said the doctors would not be paid for the period they were on strike.

    This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions

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