The Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) has condemned government for what it describes as the continued exploitation of unpaid Junior Resident Medical Officers (JRMOs).
In a statement issued to RCV News today, ZMA Secretary General Oliver Kaoma expressed concern over the use of JRMOs to mitigate healthcare staffing shortages under the pretext of future employment prioritization, calling the practice “uncalled for.”
Dr Kaoma says as much as the Association commends governments consistency in recruiting healthcare workers, the human resource deficit remains unsolved, thereby making the withdrawal of voluntary services by JRMO’s a wake up call to the existing staffing crisis which will among others worsen the staffing gap on hospitals.
Dr. Kaoma also revealed that over 1,500 JRMOs remain unemployed, with another 1,000 doctors expected to enter the job market soon despite ongoing shortages in healthcare facilities.
He has further urged government to refrain from issuing threats against protesting doctors but rather to collaboratively engage the RDAZ and solve the problem by immediately employing the critical staff.
By Margaret Mwanza
