President Hakainde Hichilema has officially laid the foundation stone at the groundbreaking ceremony of a state-of-the-art University Teaching Hospital, Eye Hospital, valued at 1.5 million Euros in Chongwe district.
The facility, which is supported by Christian Blind Mission (CBM) and other cooperating partners, is set to become a national and regional referral centre, with a capacity to nearly triple the current number of patients served.
ZANIS reports that President Hichilema emphasised that the new Eye Hospital reflects the government’s commitment to human dignity and non-discrimination.
He emphasised that the government is cognizant of the importance of good sight, noting that it directly aligns with productivity, economic growth, social inclusion and human dignity among others.
He called on the Ministry of Health and cooperating partners to collaborate in integrating and supporting the nationwide enhancement of eye care services.
“For too long, thousands of our citizens, particularly those in rural and underserved communities have struggled with visual impairment caused by diseases that could have been avoided,” he stated.
He was speaking in a speech read for him by Minister of Health, Elijah Muchima, during the groundbreaking of the UTH Eye Hospital set to be constructed in Chongwe, which coincides with the International World Eyesight Day being celebrated under the theme, Love your eyes.
And Minister of Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, Charles Milupi reiterated that infrastructure goes beyond walls, citing that the set infrastructure forms part of the government’s purpose for social investment for human development.
Mr Milupi reiterated his government’s commitment and dedication of the set facility to use modern technology to ensure quality is upheld.
He pledged his ministry’s commitment to ensure it monitors the construction of the facility from the beginning to the completion of the facility.
He has urged all stakeholders to deliver the project on time and according to the required specifications knowing that the hospital should transform lives not just for Zambia, but the entire region.
Meanwhile, Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Country Director, Linda Nonde, commended the government for prioritising eye health across the country as well as training of staff that contribute to universal access to eye care.
Dr Nonde, expressed her deepest appreciation to the government for making eye health an essential component of national health development.
Earlier, speaking on behalf of Senior Chieftainess Nkomeshya Mukamambo, the second of the Soli people, Princess Choolwe Nkomeshya, noted that the new UTH Eye Hospital will be a centre of healing, innovation for prosperity.
She gave the project her full blessing and called on her people to fully support it.
And Lusaka, Province Minister Sheal Mulyata, who was represented by Professor Gideon Mwanza, noted that eyes are one of the vital organs on the human body, noting that with the project in place avoidable blindness will reduce.
Ms Mulyata says this, and many are in line with the government’s commitment, pledging her full support to the establishment of the eye hospital.
In a speech read for her, by Chongwe District Commissioner, Evans Lupiya,
and Area Member of Parliament for Chongwe Constituency, who is also the Minister of Lands, Silvia Masebo, emphasised that the UTH Eye Hospital is a positive step, noting that it is in line with the government’s agenda to provide health for all.
Earlier, Chongwe Mayor, highlighted that the project marks a major achievement for Zambia as well as the region at large, emphasising that for a long-time people have struggled with eye issues which can easily be treated.
