Ministry of Health Begins Restructuring Exercise to Strengthen Service Delivery

By Masauso Mkwayaya The Ministry of Health has commenced an institutional restructuring exercise at its headquarters, resulting in the redeployment of 123 officers to their substantive stations across the country to strengthen healthcare delivery. In a statement issued to ZNBC News, Health Minister Roma Chilengi said the move follows an internal assessment which established that the affected officers were serving at headquarters under temporary administrative arrangements that fell outside the approved 2021 establishment. Professor Chilengi said the approved headquarters structure provides for 403 positions, and that the exercise is intended to ensure compliance with the established staffing framework while enhancing efficiency within the health sector. He stated that the officers will return to their original postings and official pay points, a measure expected to reinforce staffing levels at frontline health facilities and decentralised administrative centres. Professor Chilengi added that the Ministry will undertake an assessment of the qualifications and competencies of personnel occupying positions within the approved headquarters establishment. He said officers who do not possess the required academic, professional or technical qualifications for their current roles will be reassigned to operational stations that correspond with their verified credentials. Professor Chilengi said the restructuring exercise is aimed at strengthening governance, improving administrative efficiency and enhancing the delivery of quality healthcare services throughout the country.