Seychelles Expedites Agreement with Zambia to Bolster Healthcare Workforce

Seychelles and Zambia Sign MoU to Boost Healthcare Workforce

Seychelles’ health authorities have expedited the signing of a crucial memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Zambia. This agreement paves the way for the recruitment of Zambian health professionals to bolster Seychelles’ healthcare workforce. The significant decision was announced in a press statement by the Ministry of Health, underscoring the bilateral commitment to address pressing healthcare needs.

The groundwork for this essential MoU was laid during a meeting on the sidelines of the 73rd Regional Committee of the Africa region of the World Health Organisation (WHO). Minister Peggy Vidot, representing Seychelles, and her Zambian counterpart, Sylvia Masebo, jointly resolved to enhance cooperation in healthcare.

Addressing Healthcare Shortages in Seychelles

Seychelles, despite its natural beauty and thriving tourism industry, has been grappling with a shortage of healthcare professionals. According to the Annual Health Sector Performance Report of 2022, as of the end of that year, there were 514 doctors registered with the Seychelles Medical and Dental Council (SMDC). Alarmingly, only 22 percent of these doctors were Seychellois nationals, and approximately 241 doctors on the register were professionally active within Seychelles in 2022.

The MoU with Zambia represents a strategic solution to this pressing issue, offering Seychelles access to a pool of well-trained healthcare experts while facilitating reciprocal opportunities for Seychellois professionals to enhance their skills through training in Zambia.

A Pathway to Strengthened Healthcare Collaboration

During her discussions, Minister Peggy Vidot emphasized the broad scope of benefits stemming from the MoU, including the exchange of best practices and capacity building. This partnership promises to bolster the healthcare sector in Seychelles, ensuring that the nation continues to provide free primary health care in state institutions to all its citizens, as per Article 29 of the Constitution.

In another display of Seychelles’ commitment to healthcare excellence, Minister Vidot engaged with Rwanda’s health minister, Sabin Nsanzimana, to follow up on an earlier MoU signed in discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in June. Both ministers agreed to facilitate a delegation from the Seychelles health ministry to visit Rwanda. This exchange will enable Seychelles to gain deeper insights into Rwanda’s healthcare training facilities, primary health care system, and the utilization of electronic health information systems, among other areas of collaboration.