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Government has launched the construction of a K27 million Tom Fara Mini Hospital at Zambia National Service (ZNS), Mpika Milling plant.
The project which is being spearheaded by ZNS Eagles Ladies Club is earmarked to be constructed within a period of 12 months subject to availability of resources, targeting a population of more than 20,000 people at the Plant and surrounding areas.
Once completed, the hospital will have an administration block, maternity, operating theatre, radiology department, emergency department, in- patient department and a mortuary, according to Defence Minister Ambrose Lufuma.
Speaking at the launch on Wednesday in Mpika, Lufuma pledged government’s commitment to facilitate mobilisation of resources and donations by engaging various stakeholders to enable timely completion of the project.
”Let me commend Eagles Ladies Club for putting premium on the health of ZNS personnel and that of civilian members around Service Cantonments.
”As government, we are impressed by your selfless passion and determination to bring quality health services to the people of Chisowa, Malashi, Chingandu, Mwenge and Londokeni communities,” he said.
Lufuma expressed optimism that the hospital, once completed, will not only significantly reduce distances covered to access basic health care but also contribute to improved maternal and under five care.
”The advanced facility will assist to address the needless loss of lives to treatable and curable ailments.
”On the other hand, Government is also convinced that for the country to develop, we need to have a healthy and productive citizenry,” he said.
Lufuma appealed to ward development committees in Mpika to consider allocating funds from the Constituency Development Funds (CDF) towards construction of the hospital.
In her remarks, Eagles Ladies Club Patron, Angela Solochi, said the Club was moved to facilitate the construction of the hospital after realising that women and children walk long distances to access health care.
”We discovered that residents cover distances of 15 and 35 kilometres to seek medical services at the Zambia College of Agriculture and Chilonga Mission hospital respectively,” Solochi said.
She further appealed to stakeholders to join hands with the Club to ensure speedy completion of the hospital.
Speaking earlier, Chief of ZNS Mpika Milling Plant Colonel, Charles Mainsa, said most expecting mothers fail to attend antenatal and deliver from homes due to long distances.
He appealed to residents to support the club in the construction of the hospital.
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