RESIDENT DOCTORS CALL FOR CLARITY ON 2,600 HEALTH WORKERS RECRUITMENT CRITERIA

By Elesani Phiri

The Resident Doctors Association of Zambia –RDAZ- has called on government to clarify the criteria that will be used to recruit the 2,600 health personnel announced by the civil service commission, once applications are submitted.

Association President Dr. Paul Chibwe says several medical personnel who were not recruited in the previous employment exercise remain on the existing database, raising concerns over whether that database will be merged with the new one.

Dr. Chibwe told Phoenix News in an interview that while government's decision to recruit more health workers is commendable, there is uncertainty over how long the recruitment process will take, especially as the country is only a month away from the general elections.

He has urged government to provide a clear timeline for the recruitment exercise in order to build confidence among medical practitioners seeking employment.

Civil Service Commission Chairperson Dr. Choolwe Beyani yesterday announced that the commission will commence the recruitment exercise of 2,600 health personnel on tuesday next week.

Meanwhile, Zambia Medical Association President Dr. Masiku Phiri has dismissed suggestions that the announced recruitment is a political strategy by the government.

Speaking to Phoenix News in an interview, Dr. Phiri said the recruitment of additional health workers was already provided for in the 2026 national budget and expressed confidence that the process will proceed regardless of the outcome of the august elections.

PHOENIX NEWS