HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Riot police in Zimbabwe are preventing striking doctors and nurses from protesting against the country’s collapsing health system.
Eyewitnesses say police broke up a protest Tuesday at a Harare hospital. The health workers regrouped later but are being prevented by riot police from leaving the hospital.
The protesters planned to present a petition to the government calling for “urgent action” to address the crisis in the public health system.
Their grievances include a lack of medical supplies, equipment and drugs, leaving poor Zimbabweans unable to access proper care. A cholera outbreak has killed at least 130 people.
Zimbabwe’s economic collapse has resulted in chronic shortages of food, fuel and other basic goods.