HEALTH Minister Alex Katakwe has hinted that government could recruit an additional 2,500 health workers in 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s health system.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Hakainde Hichilema Mini Hospital yesterday, Dr Katakwe said there is still a huge need to boost staffing levels in health facilities across the country.
The minister revealed that discussions are already underway with the Ministry of Finance to secure treasury authority for the planned recruitment.
“We know there is still more work to be done and I was whispering to the Minister of Finance to seek treasury authority for 2026 so that 2,500 more health workers will be recruited,” said Dr Katakwe.
He said the planned recruitment is aimed at improving service delivery and ensuring that newly constructed health facilities are adequately staffed.
Dr Katakwe noted that government has already made progress in recruiting health workers, with 229 positions allocated to Western Province in the 2025 exercise, contributing to a total of about 2,400 recruits since 2021.
Meanwhile, the minister said investments in maternal health infrastructure are beginning to yield results, particularly through the construction of maternity annexes and mother shelters across the country.
He revealed that maternal mortality has significantly reduced, dropping from 139 per 100,000 in 2024 to below 98 per 100,000 in 2025.
“Because of your good leadership [President Hichilema], the maternity annexes that have been built have really done wonders,” he said.
Dr Katakwe said the continued expansion of health infrastructure, coupled with increased staffing and improved access to services, is key to sustaining progress in the health sector.
