Minister of Health, Alex Katakwe has announced that government will commission the incinerator at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital within the next seven days to enhance medical waste management and reduce operational costs.<\/p>\n
Dr Katakwe said the incinerator, which was constructed by the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency (ZAMMSA) has a capacity of 500 kilogrammes per hour but is not yet operational due to outstanding bottlenecks.<\/p>\n
Speaking when he undertook a spot check at Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, the Minister noted that the delay has compelled the hospital to rely on private companies for waste disposal, a situation he described as costly and unsustainable.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs you can see behind us, this is a modern incinerator with a capacity of 500 kilogrammes per hour, but it is not yet operational due to outstanding bottlenecks. We have resolved that these issues must be addressed within seven days so that the facility begins to serve its intended purpose,\u201d Dr Katakwe said.<\/p>\n
He noted that once the incinerator is commissioned, it will significantly reduce costs and improve the management of medical bio-waste.<\/p>\n
Dr Katakwe emphasised that the commissioning of the facility is critical to strengthening public health systems and ensuring safe disposal of medical waste.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are committed to ensuring that critical support systems such as this incinerator are fully functional because they play a key role in safeguarding public health and enhancing efficiency in our hospitals,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Dr Katakwe described Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital as a centre of excellence, noting that the facility is demonstrating high standards in service delivery, infrastructure and patient care.<\/p>\n
He added that government will continue investing in digital health systems such as SmartCare Pro, as well as complementary initiatives like solarisation, to improve efficiency and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services across the country.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are determined to make our health sector fully digital through the SmartCare Pro programme so that patient data, diagnosis and treatment are efficiently managed, and we eliminate challenges associated with manual systems,\u201d the Minister said.<\/p>\n
He added that complementary investments such as solarisation of health facilities are critical in ensuring uninterrupted service delivery, citing the Chongwe project which was implemented in partnership with cooperating partners.<\/p>\n
He further indicated that the government is working to restore public confidence in public health institutions, noting that negative perceptions have contributed to reduced utilisation of facilities under the National Health Insurance Scheme.<\/p>\n
Dr Katakwe stressed the need to strengthen communication platforms such as \u201cYour Health Matters\u201d to highlight ongoing improvements and encourage the public to utilise government health services.<\/p>\n
And Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent Charles Mutemba, said the facility has grown into one of the country\u2019s leading public health institutions since opening in 2017, evolving from a general hospital into a fully-fledged teaching hospital with a bed capacity of nearly 1,200 and four major clinical departments.<\/p>\n
Dr Mutemba said the hospital now serves a catchment population of over four million people and attends to about 45,000 outpatient cases annually, adding that the institution is focused on delivering quality care comparable to private facilities, with improved staff attitude, reduced waiting times and essential medicine availability at about 80 percent.<\/p>\n
He disclosed that the hospital is well equipped with advanced diagnostic and support systems, including three CT scanners, an MRI machine, multiple ultrasound units and reliable oxygen supply systems, supported by stable water storage and backup power to ensure uninterrupted service delivery.<\/p>\n
However, Dr Mutemba noted that staffing remains a challenge in high-demand areas such as maternity services, where the hospital handles up to 30 deliveries per day with limited specialist personnel.<\/p>\n
He added that although a high-capacity incinerator has been installed, it is not yet operational, forcing the facility to rely on costly private waste disposal services.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Lusaka Provincial Health Director, Simulyamana Choongo, said communication gaps between health facilities and the public remain a key challenge in the health sector, despite notable improvements in service delivery across hospitals.<\/p>\n
Dr Choongo explained that while first-level and tertiary facilities are generally performing well in managing patient loads and delivering care, misunderstandings often arise when patients expect uniform services across all levels of care, regardless of capacity differences.<\/p>\n
He also points to the introduction of digital feedback systems in institutions such as Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital as a step towards improving public engagement.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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