The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has directed all central hospitals to replace unqualified health professional workers who were recruited following walk-in interviews conducted earlier this year.

The directive is contained in a circular dated 4th December 2025 and addressed to all Director Generals, copied to Heads of Human Resource Departments in Central Hospitals.

According to the letter signed by a M.C. Kapaza, for the Secretary for Health and Sanitation, the Ministry sought legal guidance from the Attorney General after concerns were raised on the recruitment process for health workers who attended interviews on 31st May and 1st June 2025.

Kapaza says the Attorney General advised that the Ministry “should not proceed with the recruitment of unqualified candidates,” but was “legally free to proceed with the recruitment and onboarding of all qualified candidates.”

The letter adds that the Ministry is also entitled to fill the vacancies left by disqualified candidates, paving the way for hospitals to begin hiring replacements where necessary.

The circular instructs hospitals to immediately act on the directive.

“In compliance with the Court Order and Attorney General’s legal guidance, you may therefore proceed with filling of vacancies that were left by those that were not qualified at the time of interviews,” Kapaza writes.

He further reminds public servants to strictly abide by the legal requirements.

Meanwhile, leader for a grouping of unemployed nurses, Chisomo Ndaladi
has commended the government for acknowledging and committing to act on the legal advice provided.

“We are hopeful that the rightful candidates will be selected and will go on to deliver the much-needed workforce in hospitals across the country,” she said.

She further appealed to the government to prioritise expanding opportunities for health workers, noting that many qualified professionals are still seeking employment.