Zambia commits to equal access to quality healthcare

Zambia’s Ambassador to Japan, Dr Tobias Mulimbika, says the government is committed to ensuring equal access to quality healthcare by all citizens.

The Ambassador highlighted efforts to improved healthcare accessibility, noting nationwide upgrades and construction of health facilities.

Mulimbika made these remarks during the official handover of 100 hospital beds donated to Zambia from Yao Tokushukai General Hospital.

First Secretary for Press and Public Relations at the Zambian mission in Japan, Faith Chilube in a statement issued in Lusaka on Thursday, said the event took place at the Embassy in Tokyo, on Wednesday.

The Ambassador noted the conversion of several clinics to district hospitals, supported by Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

“Specifically, clinics in Lusaka Province like Matero, Chilenje, Chawama, Kalingalinga and Kanyama were upgraded, along with Chamboli clinic in Kitwe District and Mushili clinic in Ndola District of Copperbelt Province,” he said.

Mulimbika expressed gratitude for the support rendered and stated his hope to further strengthen the cordial relations between the two countries.

He noted that this year marked 60 years of bilateral relation between Zambia and Japan.

Earlier, Dr. Toshiko Abe, a member of the House of Representatives in the Japanese Parliament, said the Ministry of Health in Zambia requested her office to lobby for beds to supplement the efforts in the provision of health care services.

“The 100 beds were intended for use in both existing and newly constructed hospitals across the country,” Abe emphasised.

She reiterated her commitment to further enhancing cooperation between Zambia and Japan in many priority sectors.

Abe said Yao Tokushukai General Hospital was affiliated with the Tokushukai Medical Corporation, established in 1973 with a focus on providing high-quality medical care, research and education.

“The corporation has assisted Zambia establishing the first renal unit at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka,” she stated.

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