The Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) has confirmed that its volunteer doctors are returning to their respective medical sites following a constructive meeting with government officials. This announcement comes after a temporary withdrawal of volunteer resident doctors, which had raised concerns across the healthcare sector.
On Wednesday, RDAZ President Dr. Paul Chibwe revealed that the association held a high-level dialogue with Health Minister Elijah Muchima and senior officials from the Ministry of Health. The meeting focused on addressing critical issues affecting resident doctors and the wider healthcare delivery system in Zambia.
The withdrawal had been prompted by RDAZ’s observation that over 50 percent of public hospitals were heavily dependent on unemployed resident doctors to provide essential medical services. This reliance raised serious concerns about the sustainability and quality of healthcare provision.
“We are pleased to announce the successful conclusion of our meeting with the Minister of Health,” Dr. Chibwe stated. “Our discussions tackled the pressing challenges resident doctors face, including working conditions, deployment, and the urgent need for improved support to the healthcare workforce.”
The meeting marked a positive step towards resolving the tensions that had led to the withdrawal. Both parties agreed to collaborate on solutions that ensure resident doctors are adequately supported and that the healthcare system functions efficiently.
Health Minister Elijah Muchima expressed appreciation for the professionalism of the resident doctors and reiterated the government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure and staffing. “We acknowledge the vital role resident doctors play in our health system and will work closely with RDAZ to address their concerns,” Minister Muchima said.
As volunteer resident doctors resume their duties, there is renewed hope that the collaborative spirit fostered during the talks will lead to long-term improvements in Zambia’s healthcare delivery and workforce management.
This development comes at a crucial time when Zambia continues to strengthen its health sector to meet growing public health needs, underscoring the importance of constructive dialogue and partnership between medical professionals and government authorities.