Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 5th May, 2025.
Kasama, Northern Province, Zambia.
In a strategic shift aimed at strengthening rural healthcare delivery, Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima has announced plans to tighten accountability measures for doctors who receive specialist training but fail to return to underserved communities.
Speaking during a high level engagement with Northern Province Minister Hon. Leonard Mbao, Dr. Muchima highlighted the imbalance between Zambia’s growing number of general doctors and the critical shortage of specialists in rural regions. He noted that while the government continues to invest in medical training, the refusal of trained doctors to return and serve their designated areas undermines national health objectives.
“We are committed to developing specialists, but it is imperative that those who benefit from this investment reciprocate by serving the communities that need them most,” Dr. Muchima stated firmly. “Those unwilling to return must relinquish their positions to make way for others prepared to serve.”
The minister also acknowledged infrastructure challenges at Kasama General Hospital, pointing to pressing issues such as erratic water supply and limited bed space. He revealed that approximately K3 million is needed to resolve the water crisis, with immediate interventions underway. He further emphasized the importance of sustainable solutions such as solar power to support rural health facilities.
On the pharmaceutical front, Dr. Muchima assured the public that the supply of essential drugs remains stable and reiterated his ministry’s commitment to enforcing responsible procurement practices.
Provincial Minister Hon. Mbao confirmed that drug availability in Northern Province currently stands at an impressive 80 percent, a milestone he described as “historic.” However, he also raised concerns over the retention of doctors, noting a recurring trend of medical personnel relocating shortly after deployment to the province.
The meeting between the two leaders underscored a joint resolve to address systemic barriers in rural healthcare delivery, including both human resource distribution and facility readiness key pillars in Zambia’s broader health reform agenda.
The Agency.