President Hakainde Hichilema has officially commissioned the refurbished radiotherapy and imaging section at the Cancer Diseases Hospital (CDH) in Lusaka following a US$31 million government-funded upgrade that restores specialised cancer treatment services suspended for six years.
The reopening marks a significant milestone for Zambia’s health sector, positioning the country among only three African nations—alongside South Africa and Egypt—with advanced dedicated cancer treatment facilities.
Commissioning the upgraded centre, President Hichilema described the occasion as the fulfilment of a long-awaited hope for hundreds of cancer patients who have endured years of uncertainty while seeking treatment.
“Your prayers have been answered,” the President said. “More than 800 cancer patients have been waiting in the queue to travel to India and other countries for treatment. Today, we are bringing that treatment back home.”
Radiotherapy and imaging services were suspended in 2020 to pave the way for a comprehensive modernisation of the hospital. The refurbishment has transformed the facility into a world-class cancer treatment centre without relying on external financing, with the Zambian Government meeting the full cost of the project.
The first patient to undergo treatment at the reopened facility was 62-year-old cervical cancer patient Maureya Zimba, whose emotional testimony highlighted the importance of the investment.
President Hichilema said her treatment represented more than a medical procedure.
“It is a symbol of hope for millions of Zambians who will now have access to specialised cancer care without leaving the country,” he said.
Ms Zimba thanked the President for prioritising healthcare and encouraged him to continue implementing development programmes aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
Looking ahead, President Hichilema announced that the Ndola Cancer Treatment Centre, now 85 percent complete, will be commissioned before the end of the year. He also directed Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Lishimpi to accelerate construction of the Livingstone Cancer Centre, which is expected to serve patients from Southern and Western provinces.
The Head of State further revealed plans to establish a medical city near Kenneth Kaunda International Airport as part of Zambia’s strategy to develop health tourism and attract patients from across the region.
The President also disclosed that his administration had cleared outstanding debts owed to Indian hospitals for treating Zambian cancer patients after those facilities threatened to stop accepting referrals because of unpaid bills.
Meanwhile, President Hichilema urged healthcare workers to maintain professionalism by avoiding unnecessary use of mobile phones while attending to patients, saying the hospital should remain focused on delivering quality healthcare.
Secretary to the Cabinet Patrick Kangwa, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Presidential Delivery Unit Head Kusobile Kamwambi, said the reopening reflected government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare through increased medicine availability, recruitment of health workers, expansion of digital hospitals and construction of maternity annexes.
German Ambassador Sonke Siemon welcomed the involvement of a German company in refurbishing the hospital and reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting Zambia’s healthcare sector.
Dr Kennedy Lishimpi said the suspension of radiotherapy services had created a backlog of 1,600 patients, while Siemens Healthineers Southern Africa Chief Executive Officer Ayanda Swana revealed that the new equipment can treat up to 3,000 patients annually.
Cancer Diseases Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Susan Msadabwe said the reopening would greatly improve access to specialised cancer care, while Chief Radiation Therapist Dr Ncheebe Sidaza said the newly installed CT simulator would enable clinicians to plan radiotherapy with greater precision, improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients across Zambia.
Picture: President Hichilema at the commissioning
