RECRUITMENT OPEN TO ALL HEALTH WORKERS, NO OLD DATABASE WILL BE USED

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Posted by admin on December 18, 2025 at 6:25 AM

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Government has assured health workers that the ongoing recruitment of 2,000 personnel will be open to everyone, with the Ministry of Health discarding the old recruitment database to ensure fairness, transparency and equal opportunity.

Minister of Health Elijah Muchima said the decision follows persistent concerns from the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ), which argued that previous recruitment rounds relied on outdated records that excluded qualified doctors while allowing unregistered individuals to slip through the system.

Muchima said the new approach gives every eligible health worker a chance to apply, restoring confidence in the process.

“We are determined to recruit efficiently while ensuring fairness. This new system will reflect merit and professionalism,” he said.

He added that although government is committed to expanding the health workforce, financial constraints — including obligations to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) — require a phased recruitment strategy.

Muchima noted that the recruitment of 2,000 workers this year will bring the total number of health workers employed under the UPND administration to 22,000, with more recruitment planned in the coming years to address the backlog of unemployed doctors.

He emphasised that the new process will Involve professional bodies, Prioritise qualified candidates and Ensure transparency at every stage

RDAZ president Dr. Paul Chibwe welcomed the move, saying it restores trust among medical professionals who felt sidelined in previous recruitment cycles.

“Many of our members felt left out in previous recruitments, so starting afresh ensures fairness, accountability and proper representation,” he said.

Dr. Chibwe also urged government to treat volunteers and new recruits fairly, noting that doctors dedicate their lives to saving others and deserve clarity, recognition and proper compensation.