Lusaka, Zambia – The Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) has declared a nationwide withdrawal of all volunteer Resident Doctors from public hospitals, effective Monday, 2nd June 2025, in protest against the continued dependence on unpaid medical labor in more than half of the country’s healthcare facilities.
In an official statement released by RDAZ President Dr. Paul Chibwe, the Association voiced its strong disapproval of the government’s ongoing reliance on unemployed Resident Doctors to provide essential health services under voluntary arrangements—without formal contracts, remuneration, or job security.
“While we recognize and commend the dedication to patient care by our members, this situation is unsustainable in the absence of a clear commitment and engagement from the relevant authorities,” stated Dr. Chibwe.
The decision to withdraw services comes after extensive internal consultations and growing frustration over what the Association describes as systemic neglect of the Resident Doctors’ contributions. RDAZ stressed that the move is a last resort aimed at drawing urgent attention to the plight of hundreds of medical professionals who have been working under voluntary terms for prolonged periods.
“This decision has not been taken lightly,” Dr. Chibwe emphasized. “But it is necessary to protect the rights and welfare of our members who have continued to serve without pay or job security for far too long.”
The Association made it clear that it remains open to dialogue and urged government authorities to urgently address the issue before the situation escalates further. “We urge the relevant authorities to prioritize this matter to avoid further disruptions in healthcare delivery,” the statement added.
The nationwide withdrawal is likely to exert additional pressure on an already overstretched healthcare system, potentially disrupting the continuity of patient care in numerous public hospitals. As the deadline approaches, the spotlight now falls on the government to act swiftly and decisively to avert a looming healthcare crisis.