Dr Muchima calls for calm as volunteer doctors threaten to down tools.

“First and foremost, volunteers are not employees, and participation in voluntary work is a personal decision; no one is compelled to do it. Many volunteers have been offering their services, and this matter was raised earlier this year. We sat here, discussed it in detail, and provided the necessary guidelines and a roadmap on how to proceed. It is therefore surprising that they chose to rush to the press instead of returning to the ministry for an update on the progress made,” Dr Muchima said.

He called on the volunteer doctors to return to the negotiating table, stating that Government processes involve necessary bureaucratic steps.

“To our volunteer doctors, we appreciate and thank you. However, it is worrying that some are calling for a strike even before being employed. How do we trust such behaviour? We need loyal and committed people as we move forward. I urge them to return to the negotiating table and review the progress that has been made,” he said.

The Minister said it is concerning that some volunteers are calling for a strike even before being employed and urged them to remain committed as the ministry progresses with the recruitment process.

Dr Muchima further said the correct procedure is to engage Government first and only declare a dispute if the matter remains unresolved.

“As things stand, there is no dispute. This Government has been progressive even within the limited fiscal space of 2024,” he said.

He said the ministry is undertaking replacement and recruitment procedures in line with the established processes.

(Mwebantu, Wednesday, 10th December,2025)