Why are degree-holding clinical officers paid diploma salaries?

They hold bachelor’s degrees, perform critical medical […]

They hold bachelor’s degrees, perform critical medical procedures and take on responsibilities that can mirror those of doctors, but some medical licentiates in Zambia are still being paid as diploma holders. This has raised concerns within the clinical officers’ fraternity, with the Clinical Officers Association of Zambia (COAZ) warning that the mismatch between qualifications, responsibilities and remuneration is leaving degree-holding clinical officers demotivated.

 COAZ Secretary General Joseph Kamfwa told Zambian Business Times-ZBT that medical licentiates with bachelor’s degrees in clinical medicine are providing advanced health services, including Caesarean sections, yet their salaries do not correspond with their qualifications.

“The medical licentiates currently are holding bachelor’s degrees in clinical medicine and they are practicing in these facilities, providing health services that are, of course, similar to what the doctors provide, such as Caesarean sections.”

 He said the disparity between qualifications and pay was contributing to low morale among medical licentiates. The concern comes against a broader shortage of clinical officers in the country, with Mr Kamfwa saying Zambia requires about 19,800 clinical officers but has only employed about 7,100.

 He said the shortage was placing additional pressure on those already working in health facilities.

“Meaning one clinical officer is providing services that three people are supposed to provide every day. So there is a serious workload,” he said.

 Kamfwa said COAZ had previously engaged the Ministry of Health over the challenges affecting clinical officers and continued to push for solutions.

He said the association had also written to the Management Development Division at Cabinet Office over some of the issues and was awaiting feedback.

Beyond remuneration and staffing, COAZ is pushing for legislative changes through the Clinical Officers Association Bill, which is aimed at strengthening the protection of clinical officers.

He said COAZ had previously worked with Government to develop a policy framework to facilitate the legislation, but the proposed bill did not reach the floor of Parliament during the previous session.

 For COAZ, however, the immediate concern remains the growing disconnect between what degree-holding clinical officers are qualified and expected to do, and what they are paid to do.

 Article  by Karen Ngulube