Minister of Health, Elijah Muchima has, on behalf of the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), received a donation of kitchen equipment valued at $27,000 from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), and Zero Waste Organisation (ZWO), a Zambian non-governmental organization (NGO).
During the official handover ceremony, Dr Muchima expressed gratitude to Turkey for the valued partnership, noting that this gesture aligns with the government’s broader vision of building a healthy and productive nation through equitable access to quality healthcare for all.
And in a meeting with the Turkish delegation led by that country’s Ambassador to Zambia, Huseyin Barbaros Dicle, shortly before the handover of the kitchen equipment, Dr Muchima reiterated Zambia’s appreciation to Turkey for the significant contribution made through Tika and Zero Waste.
He said the donation could not have come at a better time than now when his ministry is working to strengthen hospital infrastructure, improve patient welfare as well as promote the culture of excellence.
He explained that the kitchen equipment will help ensure that the hospital meals are prepared in a safe and hygienic manner, thus promoting health service delivery to the people.
Dr Muchima added that government is working round the clock to ensure that the hospital is revamped, noting that over K69 million is available for water resources.
The minister has meanwhile commended the UTH management and staff for their unwavering support and care at the hospital.
He has urged other organisations to also consider donating to the health facility, saying today’s donation is beyond social corporate responsibility as it is a call to saving lives.
Dr Muchima and the Ambassador of Turkiye to Zambia later inspected the donated equipment.
And Turkish Ambassador to Zambia, Huseyin Barbaros Dicle, who spoke on behalf of TIKA, a Turkish organisation that does not yet have an office in Zambia, noted that he looks forward to enhancing collaboration between Zambia and his country.
And Zero Waste Organisation (ZWO) board member, Katakwala Mwandila, said by donating to the hospital, his organisation is contributing to the zero waste agenda and sustainability.
Mr Mwandila acknowledged the importance of collaboration between public and the private sector, saying the equipment will create a positive impact at the hospital.
Earlier, in a vote of thanks, UTH Chief Hospital Administrator, Priscilla Mutandwa, appreciated TIKA and ZWO’s generosity, saying it is a milestone that will boost staff morale.
Bushe Zambia with its several minerals and gemstones should it continue receiving donations? Isn’t Zambia supposed to donate to Turkey? What do they have in Turkey that makes them donate to a richer but through theft and corruption, a poor country? Zambia will be better than any country on earth if it can have a good leader whose focus and morals are straight and about Zambia. Ba minister ukuya mukupokelela impoto? Atase. Umusebanya ubukulu. Kwati fipuba sure!