IN the last four years since assuming office, the United Party for National Development (UPND) under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema has witnessed massive investment in the health sector.
President Hichilema came at a time when the health sector was on its knees with a shortfall and unmotivated work force, shortage of essential medicines at partly 30 percent, and dilapidated infrastructure.
To address various challenges the health sector was grappling with, President Hichilema deployed various policy and structure changes. 
In order to improve the health emergency services and the emergency mobility infrastructure to revitalize the sector, yesterday, the country witnessed another millstone when the government handed over 119 of the 156 ambulances procured through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
The government has procured ambulances for all the constituencies in the country. For districts with more constituencies like Lusaka, will receive seven (7) ambulances. This means all seven constituencies in Lusaka urban district will receive one ambulance each.
Zambia Flying Doctor Service
The Zambia Flying Doctors Service, a crucial institution delivering emergency medical services to remote areas, was on the brink of collapse, buildings and other infrastructure were dilapidated.
The UPND government intervened and transformed the ZFDS into one of Zambia’s premier health institutions by:
• Procuring one fixed wing areophane. The ZFDS received a new areophane to enhance its services delivery.
• Procuring one AB-212 helicopter 9J KDK air ambulance. For the first time, ZFDS received a helicopter, marking a significant milestone in the quest to provide quality healthcare services to all Zambians in far placed areas.
The crutical provisions by the government was to ensure that flying Doctors outreach services and programmes reach all, even those in the furthest remote areas.
Recruitment of Health Personnel
Under the able leadership of President Hichilema, the government has to date employed over 18,000 health workers. This number will increase to 20,000 after an additional 2000 health workers are recruited this year, 2025.
There has been no government since independence that has recruited over 20,000 health personnel in five years.
The Patriotic Front (PF) only employed 6,000 workers in its 10 years rule.
The massive recruitment of health workers by the UPND administration has improved health service delivery across the country.
Increased Funding for Medicines and Medical Supplies
Prior to 2021, the health sector faced persistent stockouts of essential medicines and medical supplies, largely due to an inadequate drug budget and significant outstanding debts owed to suppliers, factors that discouraged continued supply.
To address this, President Hichilema’s government committed to gradually increasing the annual drug budget.
In 2021, the drug budget stood at K1.2 billion. By 2025, this figure had increased to K4.9 billion.
This strategic investment has laid a strong foundation for improved availability and access to medicines increasing and double the availability of medicines and medical supplies in health facilities from 44 per cent in 2021 to 85 per cent currently.
Infrastructure Development
Contrary to armchair critics and propaganda, insinuating that this government has not built health any infrastructure, since 2021, the UPND government has constructed 282 new health facilities across the country. Of these, seven are level-1 hospitals, 111 mini-hospitals, 33 health centres, and 131 health posts. This has resulted in a decentralised accessibility to health services close to the people.
Using the CDF, 164 health facilities were constructed whilst another 206 maternity annexes were constructed and rehabilitated countrywide.
Improved Availability of Medicines and Medical Supplies
In 2021, the availability of essential medicines and medical supplies stood at just 30 per cent. Today, this figure has risen to an average of 85.5 per cent.
All these achievements are not by accident. It is a testament of the government’s comprehensive reforms and interventions. Among others, there is also notable annual increases in the drug budget allocation, adoption of multiple procurement mechanisms by ZAMMSA, timely payment of suppliers, and zero-tolerance policy on theft and pilferage
Strengthened Distribution Systems
Guided by the principle of delivering quality healthcare as close to the family as possible, the government has prioritised last-mile distribution of medicines and medical supplies.
Key investments include:
• Construction of new ZAMMSA regional hubs in Luanshya and Kabompo districts to expand storage capacity and bring supplies closer to health facilities
• Procurement of distribution vehicles with support from the Global Fund, including: 41 Land Cruisers and eight (8) ten-tonne trucks
Private Sector Investment
Due to the sound policies by the government, a number of companies are investing in the medical supply and medical manufacturing plants. Here are a few;
• India’s Akuma Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Limited, is set to establish a state-of-the-art fifty million dollars drug manufacturing plant in Lusaka’s Multi-Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ). The plant, the first of its kind in Africa, will also serve regional markets, supplying medicines to neigbhouring Malawi, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and other neighboring countries.
• A Chinese firm VL Healthnet Services Limited, is setting up a plant at a cost of US$28.5 million, and will start manufacturing IV fluids and injectables in the initial stages. This is according to its chairperson, Li Ru Song. Construction is underway and has reached advanced stage.
• The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and JIJIA International Medical Technology Company Ltd of China signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of the country’s first cholera vaccine manufacturing plant. The project, which will cost US37 million under phase one, is expected to produce three million doses of cholera vaccines.
Conclusion.
These achievements underscore President Hichilema’s commitment to building a resilient and responsive health sector that supports the delivery of quality healthcare for all Zambians.
The president’s vision and journey continues and Zambians should support him by working together towards building a healthier nation.
