HEALTH Minister, Henry Madzorera, has said the government is may have to send hundreds of qualified but jobless nurses to work in neighbouring countries because the government cannot afford to employ them.

Although the country’s hospitals are reportedly understaffed, the government is said to have imposed a moratorium on recruitment due to the lack of funds.

“We might find ourselves with more nurses than we need, making some of those who we train redundant (which) makes it imperative to enter into a sort of agreement with some of our neighbours who need their services,” Madzorera was reported as saying by state media. “We are thinking about it.”

He added that the nurses would be given special training targeted for the markets which required their services.

“This will ensure that Zimbabweans go out with dignity knowing that their country and Government is behind them,” he said.

The country lost thousands of experienced doctors and nurses over the last decade as many sought better working conditions abroad to escape a biting economic crisis back home.

However, training institutions at the major referral hospitals have continued to train nurses with a reported 500 graduating every year.

Many cannot find work in state hospitals while the private sector is also struggling.