Government has officially commissioned the Kankozhi Mini Hospital in Musele Ward of Kalumbila District, constructed at a cost of K4 million funded through the locally generated revenue under the 2024 Ward Development Fund (WDF).
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony in Kalumbila, Minister of Health, Alex Katakwe, said the project demonstrates the Government’s commitment to decentralising healthcare services and bringing quality medical care closer to communities.
Dr Katakwe noted that the establishment of the mini hospital is in line with the 2022–2026 National Health Strategic Plan which prioritises strengthening primary healthcare services across the country.
He said for many years’ residents of Kankozhi and surrounding areas faced difficulties accessing medical services due to long distances to Bumi Mini Hospital and Lumwana District Hospital.
“The construction of Kankozhi Mini Hospital is not only a symbol of progress but also a lifesaving intervention that will improve the wellbeing of our people,” Dr Katakwe said.
Dr Katakwe added that the Government under President Hakainde Hichilema remains committed to ensuring equitable access to healthcare services especially in rural communities.
He further revealed that the old clinic in the area will now be upgraded into a maternity wing to improve maternal healthcare services and reduce risks faced by expectant mothers who previously traveled long distances for delivery services.
“The newly commissioned facility includes a fully furnished outpatient department, offices, laboratory and X-ray diagnostic equipment, as well as maternity equipment, “he said.
Dr Katakwe also disclosed that two additional mini hospitals in Mumena and Matebo Chiefdoms are nearing completion in Kalumbila District.
Solwezi West Member of Parliament, Nicholas Mukumbi, described the commissioning of the hospital as a historic milestone for Musele Ward and surrounding communities.
Mr Mukumbi said residents had for years endured challenges in accessing quality and timely healthcare services due to the long distances to Wumi Hospital, Lumwana Hospital and Solwezi General Hospital.
He commended Kalumbila Town Council, the Ward Development Committee and other stakeholders for successfully implementing the project using locally generated resources.
“This achievement clearly demonstrates that when local authorities prioritise the needs of the people and work together with Government leadership, meaningful development can be achieved,” he said.
Mr Mukumbi further called for adequate staffing and equipment at the facility to ensure effective service delivery.
North-western Province Health Director, Luckson Chidikita, represented by Solwezi General Hospital Medical Superintendent, Kitanda Sondashi, said the hospital has opened with six permanent staff members and two volunteers.
Dr Chidikita appealed to the Government to consider employing all volunteer health workers serving at the facility.
Meanwhile, Chief Musele’s representative thanked the Government for decentralising public services and taking healthcare services closer to the people.
The traditional leadership further urged residents to take ownership of the facility and protect it from vandalism.
He described the development as a major boost to healthcare delivery in Kalumbila District.
Hoping the hospital will have medicines