By Masauso Mkwayaya
President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has commissioned advanced cancer treatment equipment at the Cancer Diseases Hospital –CDH- in Lusaka, describing it as a major step towards making Zambia a regional centre for cancer diagnosis and treatment.
President HICHILEMA says Zambia is now the third country in Africa, after South Africa and Egypt, to install the advanced cancer treatment equipment.
He says the development will enable cancer patients to access specialised treatment within the country instead of travelling abroad, including to India.
Speaking during the commissioning of the US$31 million refurbished radiotherapy and imaging unit at the Cancer Diseases Hospital, President HICHILEMA said the project was financed entirely from local resources.
He said the facility installed with brand new cancer equipment fulfils a promise his administration made to improve cancer treatment after assuming office.
President HICHILEMA said despite limited resources, Government made healthcare a priority because quality health services are vital to national development.
He said Government is constructing two additional Cancer Diseases Hospitals in Ndola and Livingstone to expand access to specialised cancer treatment.
The President added that Government is also developing a Medical Tourism City near Kenneth Kaunda International Airport, which will house specialised medical treatment centres.
President HICHILEMA also disclosed that Government has purchased 150 additional ambulances to complement the 156 ambulances previously acquired.
He said Government has further procured 2,000 neonatal resuscitators for distribution to health facilities across the country.
President HICHILEMA said the decision to equip health facilities with neonatal resuscitators followed an incident he witnessed in Eastern Province while in opposition, where a newborn baby died because the equipment was unavailable.
The President also called on public service workers to put national interest first and ensure public resources are used for the benefit of citizens.
He further urged citizens to protect the country’s development by voting for him and the UPND in the August 13, 2026 General Election.
Meanwhile, Secretary to the Cabinet PATRICK KANGWA said the commissioning of the facility reflects Government’s commitment to improving the quality of healthcare since President HICHILEMA took office.
In a speech read on his behalf by Presidential Delivery Unit Head KUSOBILE KAMWAMBI, Mr. KANGWA said Government has expanded digital health services, including maternal healthcare, while increasing access to specialised medical services across the country.
