A medical expert has called on the government to prioritise the employment of volunteer health workers amid growing concerns over the withdrawal of volunteer doctors from public hospitals.
Dr. Teddy Mulenga made the remarks in response to Health Minister Elijah Muchima’s comments on the decision by the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) to recall its volunteer members. Dr. Mulenga argued that while employing volunteers is not mandatory, those who have sacrificed time and skills without pay deserve recruitment consideration.
He criticised Bill 7, which seeks to increase the number of Members of Parliament (MPs), warning that it will escalate government expenditure. He noted that the salary of one MP could pay four junior doctors, raising concerns about priorities in public spending.
Dr. Mulenga also took issue with Minister Muchima’s assertion that healthcare is about saving lives, not money, arguing that politicians enjoy comfort while health professionals endure poor conditions. He said the government’s failure to support dedicated health workers contradicts its claims of valuing the health sector.
He urged policymakers to balance rhetoric with action by recognising the vital role volunteer medical professionals play in sustaining public health.
