LUSAKA - Labour experts have questioned President Hakainde Hichilema's practice of announcing the recruitment of volunteer nurses during campaign rallies, saying appointments to the civil service should follow established legal and administrative procedures.
The concerns follow the President's announcement on Tuesday that volunteer nurses who attended his campaign rally at Kamuchanga Grounds in Mufulira, Copperbelt Province, would be employed.
Health Workers Union of Zambia General Secretary Lewis Mukosha said while creating employment opportunities for nurses is welcome, recruitment into the civil service should be conducted through established institutions and procedures.
Mr. Mukosha said the recruitment process should involve the Civil Service Commission, the relevant government ministry and other responsible stakeholders.
He added that although the announcement is encouraging for unemployed nurses, employing civil servants on the spot is not the appropriate procedure.
Meanwhile, Labour Relations Expert Albert Mando said appointments to the civil service are governed by established guidelines designed to promote transparency, accountability and fairness.
Mr. Mando warned that failure to follow the prescribed recruitment process could result in audit queries and undermine established public service procedures.
The experts maintained that while expanding employment in the health sector is important, all public service appointments should comply with existing legal and administrative frameworks.
Source: Phoenix News | By: Justina Matandiko