The Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) has issued a stark warning about the deteriorating conditions in the country’s health sector, blaming severe staff shortages and lack of basic resources for inefficiencies in patient care.

“The public blames us for delays and inefficiencies, but how can you perform miracles without even basic resources?” the nurses’ association stated, highlighting the dire conditions faced by frontline healthcare workers.

ZINA reported that some nurses are forced to care for up to 30 patients at a time, far exceeding safe workload ratios, which threatens the quality of care and patient safety. The crisis has intensified as health facilities struggle to maintain essential supplies, leaving medical professionals overwhelmed and unable to meet demand.

Zimbabwe’s health sector has long faced challenges due to economic instability, underfunding, and brain drain, with many trained professionals emigrating in search of better conditions. The association has called for urgent intervention, demanding increased staffing levels, better wages, and improved working conditions to prevent further collapse.

As the healthcare crisis worsens, Zimbabweans face longer wait times, reduced access to essential services, and increased health risks, amplifying calls for systemic reform and international support.

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