Zimbabwe’s government has blocked over 4,000 nurses from pursuing better-paying jobs abroad, because who needs better pay when you can stay in a broken system? Despite paying a mandatory $300 verification fee, these nurses are being denied crucial documents necessary for overseas registration and employment. ZINA president Enock Dongo emphasizes that every nurse has the right to choose their employer and that the government’s heavy-handed approach must stop. Because, clearly, forcing nurses to stay in a system that can’t even pay them a living wage is a great idea.

The healthcare system in Zimbabwe is on the brink of collapse, with nurse-to-patient ratios skyrocketing to 1:30 in some wards, far above the recommended ratio. Many nurses earn as little as $200 monthly, forcing them to take on additional jobs to make ends meet. The government’s decision has been criticized for not addressing the root causes of the brain drain, including poor pay, lack of resources, and political interference. Over 6,789 Zimbabwean nurses have already migrated to the UK, and another 1,000 have been absorbed by Ireland’s health system.

The government is exploring strategies to retain healthcare workers, including retention allowances, improved working conditions, training opportunities, and reviewing bilateral agreements. However, critics argue that these measures may not be enough to stem the brain drain. The World Health Organization has added Zimbabwe to its “red list” of countries with pressing health worker shortages, with only 2.1 nurses and midwives per 1,000 people.

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