The president of the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia (RDAZ), Brian Sampa, has been fired from the civil service.

His dismissal comes two weeks after the association went on strike demanding among other things the recruitment of 500 doctors and payment of salary arrears.

They are also demanding the creation of positions for senior doctors who have continued to receive salaries at the level of junior doctors.

Though the doctors called off their strike, Dr Sampa has been dismissed for being absent from work for more than 10 consecutive days, according to a dismissal letter he has shared with the BBC.

He however says “this is what happens when you speak out”.

Dr Sampa added: “This victimization won’t stop me from fighting for the welfare of doctors. I am still president of the association.”

His absence from work was for fear of being arrested after police detained one of the RDAZ members and threatened other members with arrest for attending a Zoom meeting.