Health Counsellor at the Zambia High Commission in India, Victor Mukonka, says Zambia is exploring prospects of setting up a pharmaceutical manufacturing plant which will ensure availability of drugs at a reduced cost.

Speaking after having a meeting with BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital management yesterday, Prof. Mukonka said India is a giant and very strategic partner to Zambia in Health Diplomacy.

One of the targets of the Mission in India is to ensure that Zambia taps from India’s skills and build capacity which will lead to, among others things, the establishment of Centers of Excellency to improve health care and reduce patients’ referrals abroad.

“We get most of the drugs we are using in Zambia from India. The idea is to strategically engage and explore ways on how we can work through Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) and also with Government in setting up the manufacturing industry in Zambia which can target the local market as well as the SADC region.

“That way, we will have the availability of drugs at our doorsteps and that will reduce cost as opposed to buying them directly from India. The other plan is to see how we can get experts and senior consultants from India to work with the local teams over a period of time at home.

“ This will trigger the transfer of skills as well as provide a bigger service for a lot of the common Zambians who may not manage to travel abroad for treatment,” Prof. Mukonka said.

The other focus is to link the training institutions in Zambia to India through exchange programmes and some of the joint lectures and teaching programmes for Zambian medical students, both undergraduate and postgraduate.

“We are working to formulate a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) through clearance from Government so that we see how we build up this partnership.

“ There is quite a lot that can be done for the mutual benefit of both countries. Our colleagues are keen to work with us and we have started these engagements,” he said.

And BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital Senior Vice President Sanjay Mehta said the hospital is open to close collaboration with Zambia as the case is with other African countries and is looking forward to the formulation of an MoU with Zambia.

Dr. Mehta said his hospital is the leading private health facility in New Delhi and offers a wide range of specialised services.

The facility has been receiving patients from Zambia, most of whom have gone back to give testimonies of its high levels of professionalism and expertise.

BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital is the largest private hospital in Delhi with a 650-bed capacity, 125 critical care beds and 17 state-of-the-art modular operation theatres.

It has 1,500 healthcare providers, 300 medical experts and is one of Asia’s largest bone marrow transplant centre with advanced Robotic Surgery Systems.

President Hakainde Hichilema will travel to New York to attend the 77th Session of the United Nations (UN), General Assembly, from 18th to 22nd September 2022.

The President is scheduled to address the General Assembly during the High-level General Debate in New York on 21st September 2022.

The theme for this year’s General Debate is A Watershed Moment: Transformative Solutions to Interlocking Challenges.

This is contained in a statement to the media  signed by Acting Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Mulambo Haimbe.

On the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, the President will participate in several high-level meetings, including:

• The 2022 SDG Moment
• Transforming Education Summit
• High-Level Leaders’ Dialogue Meeting
• Climate Finance Dialogue.

Additionally, the President is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary General; Ms. Kristalina Georgieva, International Monetary Fund Managing Director; Mr. David Malpass, World Bank President, and Ms. Samantha Power, United States Agency for International Development Administrator.

In line with the Government’s commitment to continue creating and fostering meaningful partnerships that will bolster the Zambian economy, Mr. Hichilema will also attend the Zambia Investor Forum, US-Africa Business Forum.

In the meeting of the Council on Foreign Relations, Mr Hichilema will, among other issues, outline the steps Zambia has taken to carve its path to economic recovery in line with the aspirations of the people.

The President will use these high-level engagements with strategic partners to continue to highlight the socio-economic interventions that Zambia has employed in the last one year, to stabilize and restore the economy and the path ahead.

Mr Hicfhilema has continued to reiterate government’s objective of transforming the country into an industrialised nation in order to unlock economic opportunities that will spur inclusive development, employment and improved livelihoods for Zambians.

The President is scheduled to return to Zambia immediately after his engagements in New York.

The Ban Alcohol Activist Dr Brian Sampa has now embarked on a peaceful protest against homosexuality.

Yesterday, Dr Sampa scheduled an anti-gay march past against homosexuality, with the aim to walk from Civic Centre to State House, but the anti-gay march past was cut short after the Police stopped Dr Sampa and the team at the intersection of Longacres and the University Teaching Hospital along the Independence Avenue Road, citing that the team did not obtain a Police permit that allows the march to be conducted.

Despite writing to the Police to inform them about the march past, Dr Sampa didn’t get a response from the Police, he thus felt compelled to go ahead with the anti-gay march past as he had documentation and notification from the Lusaka City Council, though the Police were not having it, a female Chief Inspector ordered Officers to bundle the whole group including journalists in the Police vehicles and be taken to Lusaka Central Police Station.

However, instead of going to Lusaka Central Police as stated by the Chief Inspector, the group was instead taken to Kabwata Police where they were detained and requested to submit their names.

After close to four hours at Kabwata Police Station, Dr Sampa and two other male anti-gay campaigners were taken into detention while three ladies were scheduled to be detained elsewhere.

Dr Sampa noted with concern as to why the Police had stopped his Anti-gay march past when they did not block him when he embarked on the Ban-alcohol lone walk to Eastern Province and Chisamba in Central Province.

The journalists who were detained are Kalemba reporter Moses Makwaya, Muvi TV journalists Aphius Kaputula and Agnes Nampasa as well as Josephat Mafuta KBN and Baxter Mutambo MEDIA 28 were forced to give statements for possible use against Dr Sampa in court.

The five journalists who were also detained alongside Dr Sampa, were released after close to four hours of being in detention, while Dr Sampa and other anti-gay marchers remained in detention but they were later released.

And speaking earlier during the Anti-gay march past Dr Sampa said that he has been prompted to embark on the march past against homosexuality because the practice is now on the rise despite having adequate Laws to curb the vice.

Dr Sampa stated that the government has failed to provide clarity on the matter despite both the Head of State and Senior Government Officials having clearly pronounced themselves on issues of corruption.

Meanwhile, Patriots for Economic Progress (PeP) President Sean Tembo stated that it’s unfortunate that the United Party for National Development (UPND) government does not respect media freedom.

Mr Tembo added that the arrest of those protesting against the rise in homosexuality is proof that the New Dawn is a homosexual government.

“When we form government in 2026, we shall prioritize freedom in the press, no one should be arrested for covering news,” Mr Tembo stated

And Thomas Sipalo noted with dismay as to why journalists were detained for covering Dr Sampa’s anti-gay protest, he questioned whether journalists need permits to cover an event or choose what’s news worth or what’s not.

Mr Sipalo who is popularly known as Difikoti (Komboni President) said that the Police are acting unprofessional in this matter, as they are using emotions not logic.

“Please release them, they were just carrying out their journalism duties,” Mr Sipalo said

Mr Sipalo disclosed that Dr Sampa is fighting a good cause only that he broke the law by not getting a Police permit.

“Otherwise, the March is much appreciated, lets apply for a permit and protest in large numbers, Dr Sampa need to be supported, gayism affects us all, say no to homosexuality,” Mr Sipalo cited

In the last few days, the country has experienced various reports of sodomy, were young boys and men have reportedly been sodomised against their will. This has caused an uproar especially on social media platforms such as Facebook, where various male folks have expressed shock and worry citing the sodomy reports as disturbing, while some parents and guardians have expressed fear stating that the boy child is no longer safe and adequate measures need to be put in place to help protect them.

A new trade union has emerged from the technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training (TEVET) sector. Former members of the National Union of Technical Education Lecturers and Allied Workers (NUTELAW) have announced the formation of a new union called the Public and Private Lecturers and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (PPLAWUZ).

This is the second union in the technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training (TEVET) sector. PPLAWUZ interim General Secretary Elvis Kacha said the new trade union has noticed with dismay that most private colleges in the country have poor conditions of service and as a result cannot attract full-time qualified staff.

Mr Kacha said PPLAWUZ has been formed to represent the interests of the workers in private colleges offering technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training.

Mr Kacha said the union has been formed to work in collaboration with the government to represent the interests of the workers in private colleges in the technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training (TEVET) sector.

“I would like to inform the nation that a new trade union called the public and private lecturers and allied workers union of Zambia (PPLAWUZ) was registered as a trade union under the industrial and labour relations act of 1991 on 6th July 2022. plaque becomes the second union in the technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training (TEVET) sector. The union membership is open to public and private colleges and skills training centres which provide technical skills training, business studies and teacher education training which are accredited to the technical education, vocational and entrepreneurship training authority (TEVET)and unionise employees at TEVET,” Mr Kacha said.

He said the new union wants to work with the owners and management of colleges to ensure that workers are motivated by negotiating good conditions of service.

“As a newly registered union under the ministry of technology and science, we shall endeavour to work with the new dawn administration to ensure that private colleges benefit from training students using the constituency development fund (CDF). Extending this gesture to the private sector will help private colleges and skills training institutions sustain payments of salaries and other personal emoluments which over the years has been a thorny issue. The country has seen a remarkable increase in private colleges and skills training institutions which is very good for national development. However, we have noticed with dismay that most private colleges in the country have poor conditions of service and as a result, cannot attract full-time qualified staff. Hence, the need for a union working in collaboration with the government to represent the interests of the workers in these private colleges,” he said.

Mr Kacha concluded:” further, we want to work with the owners and management of these colleges and institutions to ensure that workers are motivated by negotiating good conditions of service. Therefore, this is an opportunity for all employees in private and public colleges to join PPLAWUZ so that we can work together to promote national development.”

The government says the country’s participation at the just-ended Gov-tech Conference in South Africa will go a long way in realizing its dream of becoming a communication hub in the region.

Minister of Technology and Science Felix Mutati says the partnership is key towards achieving enhanced knowledge, and experience, and sharing the vision of digital transformation and service delivery.

He said only innovative ways to finance digital infrastructure will help boost the Information Technology sector. The minister said this at the conclusion of this year’s Gov-Tech 2022 Conference held in South Africa, which attracted more than 2000 delegates.

“We came to South Africa to forge partnerships. We came here to talk and engage with the rest of Africa by sharing experiences and best practices.

“ At the end of the day, we must begin to collaborate with each other. We must begin to invest in each other,” Mr Mutati said. And his Permanent Secretary, Brilliant Habeenzu said it is important that Zambia is represented at such high-level meetings to share ideas.

Dr Habeenze said the high-level meeting brings different stakeholders together to share experiences that involve the ICT sector. “Zambia’s participation in such meetings is important as the country works towards becoming one of the best in information and technology, “ he said.

The Conference was designed to stimulate and generate debate and discussion with different stakeholders ranging from international and local speakers.

Expert presentations were done by key stakeholders in the industry through which delegates engaged on innovative solutions that can be deployed to support public service delivery.

The roundtable concluded that the Government and communities must ensure that ICT must complement, enrich, and transform education for the better. This is according to a statement made available to media, by First Secretary Press Zambia High Commission Pretoria Tamara Nyirenda.

President Hakainde Hichilema says Zambia continues to enjoy a heritage of bilateral relations with various countries for mutual cooperation. President Hichilema appreciated the strong and long-standing bilateral relations with the three countries for their support in various areas of development.

The Republican President this at the Statehouse when he received credentials from diplomats accredited to Zambia who included Finland, Sweden and the United States of America.

He welcomed the ambassadors, especially at a time when the country is undergoing an economic transformation.

And the President appreciated the U.S government for sending representation at the highest level, after three years on not having an ambassador in Zambia.

He thanked the US government for support towards Zambia’s debt restructuring programme under the common framework where the U.S played a major role in ensuring it success.

“The U.S continued to be one of our strategic partners through the work and support we have received in various areas, a sign of deepened cooperation,” he emphasised.

And the Swedish government described Zambia’s International Monetary Fund (IMF) support as vital in paving way for investment in various sectors.

New Swedish Ambassador to Zambia Johan Hallenborg was happy with the reforms introduced by government especially those aimed at strengthening democracy and human rights.

He cited the improved freedom of the media, review of the public order Act, the adoption of the Children’s Code Bill and intentions to abolish the death penalty as democratic trends achieved by the Zambian government.

The Ambassador added the fight against corruption as crucial noting that Zambia is on the right path.

“Sweden development cooperation in Zambia is aligned with the eighth National Development Plan, supporting government in health, social protection and environment safeguard as well as working with the private sector in leveraging private capital,” Ambassador Hallenborg indicated.

And U.S Ambassador to Zambia Micheal Gozanles congratulated President Hichilema’s administration on a clear public mandate that has received strong support.

The U.S Envoy noted that Zambia has become a global model adding that he is ready to support the accountable and responsive governance demonstrated.

Mr. Gozanles said Zambia stands at a turning point in history as it delivers for it’s people and drives growth to the country’s full potential.

His Finish counterpart Saana Halinen expressed happiness to represent her country in Zambia adding that she will continue from where her predecessor left.

Earlier, President Hichilema swore in three Permanent Secretaries where he implored them and ministers to work as a team in implementing governments vision of economic transformation.

President Hichilema said as articulated in the eighth national development plan, Zambians are closely watching various sectors as they unlock assets that provide for economic development.

The Head of State swore in three Permanent Secretaries in the ministries of energy, mines and minerals development and, commerce, trade and industry.

President Hichilema explained the expectations from the new PS’s include driving the agendas in their respective ministries.

He tasked the ministry of energy’s new Permanent Secretary Hiimba Cheelo to prioritize addressing the challenges in the energy sector such as unlocking the Kalungwishi hydro opportunities.

The President noted the need to decentralize hydro distribution across the country.

He called for sustainable exploitation’s in the energy sector that will not impact on the development of the future generations.

He likewise told the Ministry of Commerce PS John Mulongoti to immediately drive the commerce and industrial agenda of the country.

President Hichilema further wants Ministry of Mines and Mineral Development Mooya Lumamba to ensure that the mining sector is managed in an effective and efficient manner, free from corruption.

He added that challenges faced artisan and small scale miners should be addressed.

“Your roles are simple and, you all coming from the public sector in your respective ministries are aware of what is expected of you, therefore start working,” President Hichilema stated.

The sworn in permanent secretaries pledged to execute their duties as expected of them, thanking the President for the appointments.