Africa-Press – Zimbabwe. The Health Services Board (HSB) said that the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development has availed ZWL$350 million towards the payment of health insurance allowances for health workers who contracted coronavirus.
HSB chairperson Paulinus Sikosana said 9 058 health workers contracted COVID-19, with 3 632 having received their allowances as of 21 April 2022. Said Sikosana:
As of 21 April cumulatively there were 9 058 health workers who had tested positive for COVID-19 and 27 succumbed to the pandemic.
A total of 3 632 of those infected had been paid as of 21 April 2022 while 5 426 were approved for payment and awaiting processing of the payments.
We are certain that the money [ZWL$350 million] is enough to pay every healthcare worker who has been affected.
This amount covers all the 5 426 outstanding claims that have been approved for payment at the prevailing exchange rate.
From 21 April to May 2022, HBS received 757 more claims that will require $492 050 to settle and we continue to process all these payments so that our health workers receive their payouts.
Sikosana said claimants in Grade F are paid an amount equivalent to US$1 000 whereas those below Grade F will receive payments equivalent to US$650.
Zimbabwe Nurses Association (ZINA) president Enock Dongo confirmed that some nurses have received their allowances but implored the Government to avail adequate PPE to guarantee the protection of health workers.
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