Treasury’s decision to convert Covid-19 allowances into monthly salaries in the upcoming 2024 budget has been met with approval by representatives of health workers. This move, welcomed by Enock Dongo of the Zimbabwe Nurses Association, signifies a shift from the previous US $250 Covid-19 allowance to a regular inclusion in their salaries starting next year.
While welcoming this positive change, Dongo conveyed apprehension regarding the increased taxes imposed on toll gates and fuel importation. He emphasized the potential burden these hikes could place on healthcare practitioners, particularly in terms of accessing healthcare services in various regions. Such measures, he noted, might pose challenges for those in the healthcare sector.
The sentiment expressed by Dongo reflects the mixed reception among health worker representatives, who appreciate the integration of allowances into salaries but remain wary of the potential adverse effects of increased taxes on essential services and practitioners in the field.
