Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya yesterday opened the Endoscopy Centre at the Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital with support from the Government of China towards Zambia’s health sector.
Dr Chilufya said Endoscopy Services have for a long time eluded most of public hospitals, despite their critical importance, the services have been restricted to those that can afford to pay for them in private hospitals.
Dr. Chilufya said the opening of the centre in Lusaka is a landmark achievement for the entire medical fraternity in the country.
“This is a clear show of friendship by the Chinese Government for the Hospital and the people of Zambia in General. This will no longer be the case as this Endoscopy Centre brings latest techniques in diagnosis and treatment closer to the ordinary Zambian” Dr. Chilufya said.
He was accompanied by Chinese Ambassador to Zambia LI JIE, Deputy Governor of Henan Province Dai Bohua, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary in charge of Administration Dr Kenndy Malama , Permanent Secretary in charge of health services Dr Jabbin Mulwanda and other officials from the Chinese government who also inspected the upgrade of Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital.
And Dr. Chilufya said local personnel have been fully trained to run the centre and are further expected to train other health providers countrywide.
He said Levy Mwanawasa Teaching Hospital will be the main campus for the Specialist Training Program (STP) as Endoscopy is critical in both emergency and elective cases, thereby, saving lives, time and the country’s resources.
Among the endoscopic examinations and diagnosis that will be included are; Oesophagus, stomach, small intestines, the colon, biliary tree and the entire airway.
