DR CHITALU CHILUFYA CALLS FOR RESTRAINT ON DOCTORS’ LOOMING STRIKE
….but advises government to dialogue and motivate health workers
Lusaka—Tuesday, February 21st 2023
SMART EAGLES
Patriotic Front PF Presidential Candidate Hon Dr Chitalu Chilufya says there is need to promote dialogue between government and health workers.
This comes amid a looming strike by Resident Medical Doctors of Zambia who have been left out of the 10.5% salary increment among civil servants.
But Dr. Chilufya has called for restraint against the move saying it may affect lives of people.
He warned that having a strike in the ministry of health may promote deaths.
He shares the view that there is need to assure people of health services everywhere by ensuring the country has motivated human capital to provide health services.
Dr. Chilufya who doubles as Mansa Central Member of Parliament explained that human capital is a fundamental aspect of the provision universal health coverage.
“We need to assure people of health services everywhere and by ensuring we have motivated human capital to provide health services.” He said when he featured on 5FM’s burning issue today .
“We must recognize that human resource is probably the biggest resource we have and having a strong relationship with our human capital is key. We have the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia, ZMA that brings on board doctors, we have ZUNO that brings together nurses,” he added.
He warned that having a strike in the ministry of health promotes deaths.
“When you have a strike in the health sector you will be promoting deaths, we will be unable to account for the lives lost when we people down tools. I am calling for restraint and dialogue among all the key stakeholders to ensure that the patient remains first. Remember that we are promoting the agenda for universal health coverage, it is a people centered agenda,” he said.
He reiterated that healthy Zambians are the only ones that can promote a robust economic agenda.