Zambia to recruit 210 doctors as health workforce push continues

Zambia is set to recruit at least 210 medical doctors through its 2025 health personnel recruitment drive, bringing the total number of doctors engaged since 2023 to over 930, Minister of Health Alex Katakwe has told Parliament.

Responding to a question from Kalabo Central MP Chinga Miyutu, Dr Katakwe confirmed that 277 doctors were employed in 2023 and a further 450 in 2024. The 2025 recruitment process, he said, is nearing completion, with 210 additional doctors expected to be engaged upon its conclusion.

The minister said newly recruited doctors will be prioritised for deployment to rural and underserved communities, as the Government works to strengthen the national health workforce and widen access to care. He noted that the current patient-to-doctor ratio remains severely stretched, standing at approximately 12,000 patients per doctor.

Dr Katakwe also stressed the growing need for specialisation, pointing to the advanced medical equipment now being installed across health facilities nationwide. "It is the mandate of the Ministry of Health to have many skilled personnel recruited," he said.

Speaking separately during World Health Day commemorations, the minister announced that hi-tech equipment is being installed at Cancer Diseases Hospital in Lusaka, with the aim of eliminating the need to refer patients abroad for specialist treatment. He said the Government's sustained investment in the health sector would make overseas referrals a thing of the past.