By Burnett Munthali
The Ministry of Health has defended its decision to conduct mass interviews for the recruitment of healthcare workers over the weekend.
According to ministry officials, the traditional methods of recruiting staff would not have been practical under the current circumstances.
The officials cited the urgency to fill vacant posts in the public health sector as a key reason for adopting the mass interview approach.
They explained that delays in recruitment processes often lead to disruptions in service delivery at various health facilities across the country.
The ministry emphasized that the mass interviews allowed them to assess a large number of qualified applicants within a short period of time.
Officials further stated that logistical and financial limitations made it necessary to adopt a more consolidated and efficient interviewing method.
They reassured the public that the selection process was conducted in a transparent and merit-based manner.
The Ministry also clarified that necessary precautions were taken to ensure fairness and order during the exercise.
Concerns had been raised by some applicants and observers over the large crowds and long waiting times at some venues.
In response, the Ministry acknowledged the challenges but described them as manageable and expected, given the scale of the exercise.
They added that lessons from this round of interviews would inform future recruitment planning to improve efficiency and candidate experience.
The Ministry concluded by affirming its commitment to strengthening the healthcare system by ensuring that critical positions are filled promptly and effectively.
