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The Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) has upheld its decision to withdraw free, voluntary medical services despite a recent meeting with government officials aimed at resolving the impasse.
RDAZ President, Dr. Paul Chibwe, said all unemployed doctors should remain at home, insisting that the withdrawal of free, voluntary medical services remains in full effect.
In a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, Dr. Chibwe urged Minister of Health Dr. Elijah Muchima to take personal responsibility and publicly address long-standing concerns affecting doctors.
“The failure of senior Ministry of Health officials to provide lasting solutions only deepens the crisis,” Chibwe stated.
He stated that: “RDAZ also condemns, in the strongest terms, any threats directed at its members or leadership. These intimidation tactics must stop.”
Chibwe affirmed that doctors remained committed to dialogue anchored on dignity, fairness, and tangible action.
Following a recent engagement with Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Donor Coordination, Dr. George Sinyangwe, and other senior officials, RDAZ presented five key demands.
These included the immediate employment of doctors, an end to exploitative volunteerism, a transparent and fair recruitment process, inclusion of RDAZ in key decisions, and the resolution of persistent issues such as unpaid settling-in allowances and delayed promotions.
Chibwe expressed disappointment that the Ministry offered no concrete commitment to employing doctors, allegedly attempted to silence the association, and urged them to call on doctors to resume voluntary services.
Meanwhile, Sinyangwe emphasized the importance of direct communication between the Ministry and health sector associations, rather than through the media.
“With close to 90 health sector associations, if all chose to air grievances through the press, it would create chaos,” he said.
Sinyangwe acknowledged the high number of unemployed health workers due to limited fiscal space but maintained that the government remains committed to hiring more.
He noted that 20,160 health workers have been recruited in the past three years, constituting 26 percent of the Ministry’s total workforce.
Sinyangwe urged RDAZ to encourage doctors who had withdrawn their services to return to health facilities, though he noted that the Association did not provide a definitive response.
“The Ministry of Health will put in place a structured process to resolve this issue. We will also immediately circulate procedures for applying for study leave,” he assured.
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