“Stop Recruiting Health Workers at Campaign Rallies” – Health Workers Union Warns
The United Health and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (UHAWUZ) has urged political leaders to refrain from announcing or facilitating the recruitment of health workers during campaign activities, warning that such practices risk undermining the integrity of the public service.
The union’s call follows President Hakainde Hichilema’s recent appeal in Kaputa, where he encouraged volunteer health workers to submit their details for possible recruitment into the public health system.
Speaking in an interview, UHAWUZ President Dr. Daniel Mwimbe said recruitment into the public health sector must strictly follow procedures laid down by the Civil Service Commission to guarantee fairness, transparency and equal opportunity for all qualified applicants.
Dr. Mwimbe cautioned that making recruitment announcements at political campaign events could create the perception that government jobs are being offered on the basis of political affiliation rather than merit.
He stressed that the public service recruitment process exists to protect both applicants and institutions from allegations of bias or political interference.
The union leader has since advised volunteer health workers across the country to use the officially established application channels when seeking employment in the public health sector, saying adherence to the prescribed procedures would help avoid complications during recruitment.
His remarks come as political parties intensify campaigns ahead of the August 13 general election, with employment and public service recruitment emerging as key campaign issues.
Credit: Hot FM