PHAZ Rejects Health Professions Bill 2024, Citing Exclusion of Key Stakeholders



By Francis Maingaila 

Lusaka, Zambia24 - (5-12-2024) - The Public Health Association of Zambia (PHAZ) has expressed serious concerns over the Health Professions Bill 2024 (N.A.B. 11/2024), particularly its exclusion of several vital health professional bodies, including PHAZ, from the proposed Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) Board. 

According to PHAZ Secretary General Larry Mooka at the media briefing, this omission contradicts agreements made during prior stakeholder consultations and undermines the principles of fairness and inclusivity essential to a functioning health system.

He emphasized that the Bill fails to reflect the collective interests of health professionals in Zambia. 

He stressed that an effective health governance framework must include all stakeholders to ensure it is responsive to the needs of the public.

PHAZ is calling for the immediate withdrawal of the Bill to allow for further consultations with all health professional bodies registered under HPCZ. 

Mooka also called for the reintroduction of the Bill only after comprehensive stakeholder engagements have been conducted, ensuring transparency and fairness in the legislative process.

PHAZ remains committed to advocating for a health system that recognizes and empowers all health professionals. 

Should the Bill proceed in its current form, PHAZ is prepared to join forces with other professional bodies to take action to safeguard the interests of their members and the Zambian public," he warned.

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