Govt promotes over 2,000 health workers

CHRISTINE CHIHAME Lusaka GOVERNMENT has this year effected the promotion of 2,424 health workers out of which 311 are medical positions, Minister of Health Sylvia Masebo has said. Ms Masebo said as a result of these promotions, a net entry level positions totalling 1,452 were created across the health sector. She said these have been distributed in accordance with the proportions agreed upon by leaders. The minister said staff promotions should not only be a reflection of tenure but also an acknowledgement of merit and excellence in service. Ms Masebo said this in a speech read on her behalf by Minister of Information and Media Cornelius Mweetwa during Zambia Medical Association (ZMA)’s annual ball and awards gala on Friday. “I am glad as your minister to inform you that working with your leaders and various health associations in the 2023 recruitment, a total of 2,424 promotions have been effected; 311 of these are medical positions,” Ms Masebo said. She said Government will always stand ready to respond to societal demands. She said Government is also ready to help with the enactment of the ZMA Act, which will help uphold professionalism. She said Government realises that the implementation of the ZMA bill is key in helping the medical profession perform exceptionally well. She said Government has maintained an open-door policy and is ready to listen to ZMA and others in a quest to better the livelihood of the people. She said President Hakainde Hichilema has continued to make tremendous gains towards human resource for health. “President Hakainde Hichilema is committed to building the workforce that is why 4,000 health workers have been budgeted for in [the] 2024 financial year,” she said. Ms Masebo said Government’s effort in promoting healthcare can be testified through the implementation of the National Insurance Scheme and construction of health facilities across the country. She said Government policy is to ensure that medical doctors are remunerated according to placement and qualifications. “We have [a] President that respects the skills set,” Ms Masebo said. ZMA president Roy Kaumba said the gala was meant to celebrate and motivate the medical doctors, who work tirelessly to save lives. Dr Kaumba said ZMA appreciates the increased allocation to the health sector and that the enactment of the ZMA bill will unlock barriers. He said the medical doctors in Zambia have become more innovative as they are at times subjected to operating without adequate equipment. Several doctors were awarded for their meticulous performance in different categories. ZMA meritorious awards were given to Dr Kondwwelabi Mateyo, Prof. Adma Luchelenganga. Dr Theresa Kafula and Dr Bruce Bvulani received the ZMA life-time achievement awards. More than 15 doctors were awarded. And some journalists received the recognition awards for making meaningful contributions to the health sector. The journalists who received the recognition awards for excellence in health reporting were Monica Mayuni from Zambia Daily Mail, Chileshe Malungila from Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation, Shamwinda Tembo from Hot FM radio, Fizzer Hachintu from Mwebantu media while the community award went to Simon Mwewa. FNB, Prudential Life Assurance, Neira Investments were some of the organisations that were recognised for supporting the health sector. Meanwhile, Government recognises the role investigative journalism plays in fostering transparency, accountability and societal progress. Speaking when he officiated at the Makanday investigative awards on Friday, Ministry of Information and Media Acting Permanent Secretary Greatson Chipalo said Government envisages a future where journalists feel empowered to explore stories that probe societal issues and contribute to a more informed and engaged citizenry