By Tafanana Kwedu

Members of the public have welcomed the decision by nurses to end their strike saying it will give them access to cheaper and reliable health care as most of them cannot afford private hospital fees.

Some nurses have been on strike since June 18.

The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) on Tuesday announced that its members employed by the government will be reporting for duty with immediate effect whilst giving government a chance to assess and address their plight.

Members of the public who spoke to Harare Post said affordable health care was crucial in building a healthy nation.

“Finally nurses have shown that they are human beings with parents, sisters and brothers who need their care and love. We support them on this noble move,” said Moses Muchenje from Dzivaresekwa.

Marian Chinyoka from Malbrough said the issue of health care affects all across the board.

“Nearly everyone was being negatively affected by the nurses’ strike as this issue knows no political party, colour nor creed, the effects are the same,” she said.

She said nurses should always prioritise dialogue with government compared to industrial action.

“We urge nurses to always seek audience with government to air their grievances and then give government a chance to respond,” Chinyoka said.

Commenting on the same issue Irvine Tichafa from Ruwa said public health institutions such as council clinics, district and provincial hospitals were the pillars of the country’s health system.

“Most of us grew up being attended to in public health care facilities run by government, churches and local authorities and this must not be disrupted as it has proved to be helpful to people from all walks of life.

“We welcome the decision by nurses to return to work and do what they know best at these institutions,” he said adding that “Government must swiftly look into the nurses’ plight as it promised and address the same to boost their moral.

Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care recently said Government is willing to improve the conditions of service and remuneration for health workers.