The ministry is troubled by a growing trend where officers, after being deployed to rural districts, suddenly cite marital complications or argue that their spouses cannot find work outside the capital.
Speaking on behalf of Health Minister Dr. Elijah Muchima, the ministry’s Nursing and Midwifery Director, Daphne Shamambo, stated that such excuses amount to a silent sabotage of public service delivery, particularly in areas that desperately need health workers.
Dr. Muchima reminded health professionals that rural communities depend heavily on their presence. He emphasized that returning to Lusaka under the pretext of marriage is unprofessional and undermines national healthcare goals.
These remarks were delivered in Chongwe yesterday during the 10th graduation ceremony of the Starkey Hearing Institute (SHI) Zambia.
“Be ready to serve where you are needed most, including the rural areas. So if you are asked to serve in a rural area, ladies, don’t fake a marriage to come back to Lusaka. Gentlemen also, don’t think that where you are, your wife cannot work because the organization she works for is not found there,” he stated.
The minister urged graduates to uphold high ethical standards, embrace professionalism, and remain committed to serving communities regardless of location. He challenged them to view healthcare as a constantly evolving field and stressed the importance of lifelong learning.
“What you know today will evolve in the coming years. Relying solely on your current knowledge will leave you behind, so keep improving and adapting,” he said.
Dr. Muchima further reiterated the government’s priorities, which include expanding ear, nose, and throat (ENT) and audiology services, raising the profile of trained professionals, promoting early detection and school screenings, and ensuring that hearing care reaches communities beyond just hospitals.
