The Coalition of Unemployed Allied Health Professionals has announced plans to picket the Ministry of Health on September 16, 2024, to protest the government’s failure to post its members.
According to the group, despite repeated appeals to both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Finance for financial clearance, they have seen no progress.
Speaking to Happy Kasiebo, the Coalition’s Public Relations Officer, Michael Hlordzi, explained that this picketing will not be a typical demonstration where participants walk and return home. Instead, they plan to sleep at the Ministry of Health, even if it takes up to three days.
He stressed that the picketing is intended to be peaceful, with full police approval adding that that buses will be organized to bring members from all regions across the country.
According to Mr. Hlordzi, the Unemployed Allied Health Professionals fall under the broader Allied Health umbrella and are the second largest workforce in the health sector after nurses. Their members he said include a wide range of specialists, such as lab technicians, environmental and sanitation officers, physiotherapists, mental health professionals, and disease control experts.
He highlighted that many of their members have completed their education four to five years ago but are yet to be posted, with no clear indication from the government regarding recruitment.
He mentioned the frustrations they have faced when engaging with the Ministry of Finance, stating that they have been denied access during previous attempts to discuss the issue. He emphasized that this picket is intended to show their seriousness, especially as the country heads towards an election and should the government continue to ignore their demands, they will consider further actions.