Health
Zambia embarks on major drive to improve hospital equipment
Government is pursuing a nationwide programme to strengthen medical-equipment capacity in clinics and hospitals, with a focus on cancer diagnosis and other critical services.
Photo: LittleT889/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped to 16:9.
LUSAKA – Government has embarked on an ambitious programme to improve medical equipment in clinics and hospitals across Zambia, with particular attention being given to cancer diagnosis and the treatment of other serious illnesses.
The initiative, being undertaken through the Ministry of Health and the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency, is expected to strengthen the country’s ability to diagnose and treat conditions such as cancer, heart disease, kidney failure and respiratory illnesses.
Government is already in discussions with reputable and registered medical-equipment suppliers capable of delivering, installing and maintaining the equipment. The programme is expected to benefit health facilities across the country, including hospitals served by ZAMMSA distribution centres in Lusaka, Ndola, Chipata, Mansa, Mongu, Choma and Kabompo.
Ministry of Health Commissioner Fredrick Chanda told the press that the project was important to the people of Zambia because dependable medical equipment could improve treatment and save lives.
Chanda said Government wanted to build on earlier health programmes, describing completed projects as “done and dusted” and stressing that attention must now turn to the work ahead.
The programme comes shortly after Zambia’s general elections, with President Hakainde Hichilema reportedly giving the initiative his full support as Government shifts its attention towards service delivery.
“The elections are done; it is time to make progress,” has become the message surrounding the Government’s renewed development drive.
Health authorities say shortages of diagnostic and critical-care equipment have made it difficult for some hospitals to provide timely treatment. The proposed programme is therefore expected to bring modern equipment closer to patients and reduce the number of families forced to travel long distances in search of specialised medical services.
For many Zambians, the success of the project will be measured not only by the equipment purchased, but by whether it reaches hospitals, remains operational and improves the care received by ordinary people.
Source: News Diggers — Visit News Diggers
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