(SomaliNet) Zimbabwean state doctors will not return to work till their demands are met. This is the fifth day since ZimbabweÂ’s doctors decided to put their tools down and vow not to return to work unless there is an increase in their pay. Zimbabwe's Hospital Doctors Association revealed that as many as 270 doctors are currently on strike in ZimbabweÂ’s four major hospitals. The doctorsÂ’ fraternity in Zimbabwe is displeased about their salary structure of ZIM$57-million (about R4 000). They are also displeased about the additional one year that they are to serve as internship in rural Zimbabwe. "Now the government wants us to do another year in a district before we get our certificates of good standing. We are saying that is unfair and it is unacceptable," said Kuda Nyamutukwa, head of ZimbabweÂ’s association. Doctors in Zimbabwe serve ZimbabweÂ’s government for two years before they are free to form their own practices. "The minister (ZimbabweÂ’s health minister) has remained adamant that he does not talk to people who are on strike but, as long he maintains that stance, what he is simply doing is prolonging the strike," Kuda added.
"We are not against working in the district hospitals as such, but we want to be given a choice rather than be forced - and we also want incentives, including vehicles, to allow us to be mobile. We are prepared to continue striking for as long as it takes," commented a Zimbabwean doctor. Zimbabwe has suffered a heavy brain drain of doctors who cannot stand the working conditions in Zimbabwe. Many have left Zimbabwe for areas as far as Britain.