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Health Minister, Dr. Elijah Muchima, has raised concern over doctors who pursue specialist training abroad but fail to return to serve in Zambia’s rural communities, warning such practices worsen the shortage of healthcare specialists in the country.
Speaking during a courtesy call on Northern Province Minister, Leonard Mbao in Kasama, Muchima said the government encourages medical professionals to specialize but expects them to serve in all regions upon completion of training.
“I am encouraging doctors to go on training because we have so many doctors but we do not have specialists. However, those who further their studies often do not want to return,” he said, according to a statement issued by Northern Province Principal Public Relations Officer, Sandra Mulenga on Monday.
Muchima advised doctors unwilling to return to their posts to resign and create room for others ready to serve.
He also addressed infrastructural challenges at Kasama General Hospital, citing ongoing water shortages and inadequate bed space, and pledged immediate government intervention.
“The hospital needs three million kwacha to resolve the water challenges, and we must look into this,” he said, adding that solar power installations and improved water systems were essential for rural health facilities.
Muchima further reaffirmed government’s commitment to ensuring a consistent supply of essential medicines, while calling for accountability in hospital drug procurement.
Meanwhile, Provincial Minister, Leonard Mbao noted that drug availability in the region had reached 80 percent — an unprecedented milestone — but appealed for urgent solutions to staffing issues, particularly the loss of doctors who leave shortly after being transferred to the province.
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