Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia (MQHZ) has called on the newly appointed Minister of Health to take decisive action to improve healthcare delivery in the country.
MQHZ Director General, Dr. Quince Mwabu, says the Minister should provide “strong, reform-minded, and results-oriented leadership” to ensure that government policies and investments translate into meaningful improvements in the health sector.
In a statement, Dr. Mwabu said the health system continues to face challenges, including shortages of medicines and medical supplies, inadequate staffing, pressure on health facilities, and unequal access to quality healthcare.
“The new Minister takes charge of a health system that continues to face challenges, including gaps in the availability of medicines and medical supplies, equipment requiring maintenance, and shortages and unequal distribution of health workers,” he said.
Dr. Mwabu said the Minister should remain connected to the challenges faced by patients and health workers on the ground.
“When medicines are unavailable, patients suffer; when equipment is not functional, treatment is delayed; and when facilities are understaffed, health workers become overstretched and patients wait longer for care,” he said.
Dr. Mwabu also called on the Minister to take decisive action against corruption in the Ministry of Health, saying it undermines public resources and weakens service delivery.
“The Minister must strengthen accountability, transparency, and oversight, investigate credible allegations, and ensure that those responsible are held to account,” he said.