By Staff Writer
FQM Trident Mine, Government Partner to Construct Mini Hospital in Kalumbila First Quantum Minerals Trident mine, in collaboration with the government through the Ministry of health, is constructing a mini hospital in Kalumbila District of North-western Province. The facility is the first of its kind in the area, has already gulped US$480,000. Upon completion, the hospital will be handed over to the government.
The project was initiated by the mine community through stakeholder engagement, with resources jointly mobilized through donations from FQM Trident and contractors, and with full government involvement in the process and supervision through the District Health Director.
The facility has reached an advanced stage, with phase one expected to be completed in December this year, while phase three, the final stage, is scheduled for completion and handover to the government in the first quarter of 2025.
Speaking during a tour of the infrastructure in Kalumbila, Minister of Health Elijah Muchima thanked FQM Trident for collaborating with the government and called on other mining companies to emulate the same. Mr. Muchima said the government, through the Ministry of Health, will provide support and enhance operations of the flying doctor service.
First Quantum Minerals Trident Limited Community Affairs Manager Joseph Ngwira disclosed that the facility will provide basic services, including theater services. Mr. Ngwira stated that the mini hospital will have a mine theater, admission ward, a maternity annex, and a mortuary with a capacity of nine beds, which have already been procured.
“A mortuary was a need identified by the community because we only have one mortuary in the district at the moment, and this will be the second,” he said.
He said phase one will have an admission ward for eighty adults and eighty children, phase two will have two more admission wards, and the third phase will include a high-cost, fee-paying component.
Mr. Ngwira noted that during the first engagement meeting with contractors, they managed to raise US$150,000 in contributions towards the project.
Speaking earlier, Ministry of Health Assistant Director Maxwell Kasonde said the mini hospital in Kalumbila aligns with the vision and mission of the Ministry to bring quality healthcare to the community.
“We need to look at areas of operation, draw an MoU, and look at how we will support you in areas of HIV, malaria programs, and TB,” he said.
Meanwhile, Town Council Chairperson Shadrick Munjunga commended FQM Trident for the facility, which he said will decongest the district hospital.
