PF Must Solve Doctors Crisis - HH

Opposition leader of the UPND Hakainde Hichilema (HH) has called on the PF Government to quickly address the concerns of resident doctors in order to avert a crisis in the delivery of health services in the country. 

“We are concerned by reports that resident doctors are being threatened with arrests and intimidation, a situation which appears to be fuelling the crisis instead of resolving it,” the UPND Alliance presidential candidate has stated. 

“We are not being insensitive to the matter at hand, but we fear that if Government continues with its heavy handedness, the situation might get out of hand,” he continued. 

HH went on to say that while doctors are essential workers and are not unionized, this should not disadvantage them when they complain of unresolved issues.  

“We expect authorities to give them a hearing so that industrial harmony is maintained,” he stated. 

Doctors are demanding, among many other matters, the payment of salary arrears for 309 of their members, creation of positions for senior resident medical officers, registrars and consultants and the recruitment of 500 graduate doctors. 

HH called upon labour unions, civil society and ordinary citizens to speak out against such injustices, and he called on the Government to release funding to resolve the situation and prevent further negative impact from any go-slow. 

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Kakoma Kanganja has denied reports that Zambia Police have arrested and detained a lot of resident medical doctors. However, he did warn that those wanting to continue with their illegal activities must reconsider their position or risk being arrested.