The Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) has welcomed the Civil Service Commission’s announcement of the recruitment of 2,500 health workers but has called for a transparent, merit-based and timely recruitment process.
Speaking to Zambian Business TimesZBT in an exclusive interview, RDAZ President Dr. Paul Chibwe described the recruitment as a positive step towards addressing human resource gaps in the health sector and strengthening healthcare delivery across the country. “We welcome the recruitment because it is something that had already been promised. It is commendable that the government has now brought it forward,” Dr. Chibwe said.
However, he said many prospective applicants were seeking clarity on the timelines for the recruitment process, particularly in light of the upcoming general elections. Dr. Chibwe noted that previous recruitment exercises had taken several months to complete, creating uncertainty among applicants. “People want clear timelines. If the recruitment process runs into the election period, there should be assurance that it will continue and be completed regardless of the outcome of the elections,” he said.
He also appealed for the recruitment exercise to cater for health professionals who were previously captured in the government’s employment database but were not recruited, while ensuring newly qualified graduates are given an opportunity to apply. According to Dr. Chibwe, the process should be conducted fairly and should prioritize merit rather than personal connections.
“We need a process that accommodates those who were left out in previous recruitments as well as new graduates. Most importantly, recruitment must be based on merit and not on connections,” he said. Commenting on the number of positions announced, Dr. Chibwe said the recruitment would help ease staffing shortages but would not completely address the country’s healthcare workforce needs The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends a minimum threshold of 4.45 doctors, nurses and midwives per 1,000 population to achieve adequate coverage of essential health services.
Zambia, like many countries in sub-Saharan Africa, continues to face shortages of health workers, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Dr. Chibwe said while the additional 2,500 health workers would bring the country closer to improving staffing levels, continued recruitment and investment in the health workforce would be necessary to meet growing healthcare demands.
“The recruitment is a step in the right direction, but there is still a need for more health workers. Increasing staffing levels will go a long way in improving the quality of healthcare services and access to care,” he said. He encouraged all eligible health professionals to apply for the available positions despite concerns surrounding the process.
Dr. Chibwe further urged the Civil Service Commission to conclude the recruitment efficiently and transparently to maintain public confidence. “We encourage everyone who qualifies to apply so that no one is left out. Our appeal is for the recruitment process to be completed quickly and conducted in a fair, transparent and inclusive manner,” he said.
Article by Karen Ngulube
