ZAMBIA — In a significant stride towards improving healthcare accessibility, the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) has recently granted approval for the construction of a state-of-the-art specialized hospital in Lusaka West.
With an estimated cost of US$40 million (equivalent to K720 million), this project represents a substantial investment in Zambia’s healthcare infrastructure.
The new hospital is expected to make a significant contribution to the government’s efforts to improve access to healthcare services in the country.
With specialized equipment and medical professionals, the hospital will be able to provide advanced medical care to patients with complex medical needs.
Currently, Zambia grapples with inadequate healthcare facilities, hindering the delivery of quality health services to its population.
Challenges such as the lack of primary health services in certain areas, long travel distances to reach the nearest health facility, inequitable distribution of health infrastructure, and insufficient medical equipment and transport persist, leaving many people underserved.
To address these barriers and enhance service provision, the government has actively invested in the maintenance, rehabilitation, upgrading, and construction of health facilities, as well as the procurement and distribution of essential medical equipment and transport.
Notably, between 2017 and 2021, the completion of four out of six targeted specialized hospitals and the construction of over 563 health facilities showcased a commendable achievement, representing over 75% of the planned targets for infrastructure development under the National Health Strategic Plan (NHSP) 2017-2021.
However, despite these accomplishments, there remains a pressing need for more health posts and centers, approximately 1,200 and 500 respectively, to ensure access to primary health services within a 5-kilometer radius for over 6 million Zambians.
In response, Zambia’s National Health Strategic Plan for 2022-2026, titled “Towards Attainment of Quality Universal Health Coverage Through Decentralization,” aims to increase the availability and access to health infrastructure, equipment, and transport by 2026, aligning with the country’s commitment to achieving comprehensive healthcare coverage.
The approval granted by ZEMA, following a thorough evaluation by the Environmental Assessment Committee, adheres to the Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011 and the Environmental Protection and Pollution Control, Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, Statutory Instrument No. 28 of 1997.
This decision underscores ZEMA’s commitment to assess and mitigate potential negative environmental, health, and social impacts associated with such projects, ensuring sustainable development.
By adhering to the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, the aim is to predict and address any adverse effects on the environment and society, safeguarding the well-being of both present and future generations.
Mr. Maxwell Nkoya, Acting Director General of ZEMA, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Green Economy and Environment for their unwavering support and guidance throughout the approval process.
This collaborative effort between ZEMA and the ministry signifies a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and the promotion of high-quality healthcare services in Zambia.
With the approval of the specialized hospital in Lusaka West, Zambia stands poised to witness the establishment of an exceptional healthcare facility that caters to the needs of the community.
This significant investment not only fills existing healthcare gaps but also contributes to the overall advancement of Zambia’s medical infrastructure, improving the lives of countless individuals and fostering a healthier nation.
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