10/04/2026
๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฆ๐ง๐๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ง
๐ญ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ฆ๐ฆ๐ข๐๐๐๐ง๐๐ข๐ก ๐๐ข๐ก๐๐๐ ๐ก๐ฆ ๐ฃ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฃ๐ข๐ฆ๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ก๐๐ ๐๐ก๐ง ๐ง๐ข ๐ง๐๐ ๐๐ฃ๐๐ญ ๐๐๐ง. ๐๐ฅ๐๐๐๐ฌ, ๐ญ๐ฌ๐ง๐ ๐๐ฃ๐ฅ๐๐ ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ฎ๐ฒ
The Zambia Medical Association (ZMA), the official representative body of the medical profession in Zambia, expresses grave concern regarding the proposed amendment to the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) Act No. 17 of 2024.
Despite having been duly assented to by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Zambia, Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, the HPCZ Act of 2024 has not yet been operationalized. For the past two years, the absence of a constituted Board has significantly constrained the Councilโs ability to execute its core regulatory functions.
During this period, the Association and the wider medical fraternity have exercised patience, guided by repeated assurances from the Ministry of Health that the process of constituting the Board and appointing a substantive Registrar/Chief Executive Officer was nearing completion.
It is therefore both surprising and deeply concerning that, instead of prioritizing the operationalization of the existing law, a new Bill the HPCZ Amendment Bill of 2026 is now being advanced to alter the composition of the HPCZ Board. This is being done without clear justification or meaningful stakeholder consultation.
The ZMA unequivocally condemns this opaque and non-consultative approach. Legislative reforms affecting the governance of a critical regulatory body must be transparent, evidence-based, and inclusive of key stakeholders. The Association places on record that it was neither consulted nor involved in the development of this proposed amendment and does not support its content.
The HPCZ plays a central role in regulating professional conduct, safeguarding standards of care, and protecting the public. However, the prolonged delay in operationalizing the 2024 Act has exposed structural limitations in ensuring timely professional oversight, coordination, and leadership within the medical profession. The continued absence of a fully functional regulatory framework has already resulted in significant gaps, including:
Administrative paralysis arising from the absence of a substantive Registrar/CEO since 2024.
Weakened oversight, with delays in implementing licensure examinations and disciplinary processes.
Increased illegal practice, with a growing number of unregistered practitioners and facilities placing patients at risk.
At a time when the health sector continues to face persistent service delivery challenges, strengthening not weakening regulatory and professional governance systems must be the priority.
Globally, effective health systems are underpinned not only by statutory regulators, but also by strong, empowered professional bodies that provide leadership, ethical guidance, and peer accountability within the profession. In this regard, there is a clear need to complement existing regulatory structures with a strengthened institutional framework for the medical profession.
The ZMA therefore calls for:
The immediate suspension of the proposed HPCZ Amendment Bill of 2026.
Transparent and inclusive stakeholder engagement on any proposed legislative amendments.
The enactment of the Zambia Medical Association Bill into law, to provide a clear statutory mandate for the Association to strengthen professional guidance, promote ethical standards, and support effective self-regulation within the medical profession, in alignment with national health priorities.
The Association remains committed to working collaboratively with Government and stakeholders to strengthen health systems and uphold the highest standards of medical practice in Zambia.
Issued by:
Dr Innocent Ngwira.
๐ฆ๐ฒ๐ฐ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ ๐๐ฒ๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฎ๐น
Zambia Medical Association
