MUSHIMBA CONDEMNS TREATMENT OF MEDICAL DOCTORS
Organised People’s Party (OPP) President Eng. Dr Brian Mushimba has expressed concern over the treatment of trained medical doctors and other health professionals in Zambia, calling for improved working conditions and greater recognition of their contribution to society.
Dr Mushimba said medical professionals underwent lengthy and demanding training to acquire lifesaving skills, but their value appeared to be undermined by the challenges they continued to face in the country.
Commenting on the dismissal of Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ) President Dr Paul Chibwe, he said the circumstances surrounding the decision needed to be established, warning against possible retaliation for speaking out.
He questioned why the country continued to leave trained doctors unemployed despite investing substantial resources in their education.
“How can we invest in them so much and leave them on the streets?” he asked
Dr Mushimba disclosed that his organisation had employed at least 20 unemployed medical doctors to support administrative operations at its secretariat ahead of the August elections
He also cited the case of former RDAZ president Dr Brian Sampa, whom he helped relocate to the United States following his dismissal.
“We need to stop destroying our young professionals and uplift them instead,” he stressed.
He urged authorities to consider facilitating employment opportunities abroad where local opportunities were unavailable.