A RADIOGRAPHY technologist who was left out of the health workers’ recruitment list has decided to use his pain and disappointment by establishing a diagnostic centre in Lusaka’s Linda Compound.
28 year old Kapungwe Mwansa who graduated from Evelyn Hone College in 2022, raised his capital for the Centre called Mwapola Diagnostic Centre through volunteering as a health worker and doing other part time jobs after he was left out from the civil servants list.
The centre offers critical diagnostic services to the underserved community of Linda such as ultrasound scans including obstetric, gynecological, vascular, small parts ultrasounds and laboratory services.
And with the harsh reality of load shedding, Mwansa is utilising solar energy to operate his undertakings.
Mwansa shared that he saw an opportunity to work from Linda because of how underserved the compound has been for some time.
“One of the radiographers I worked with as a volunteer motivated me to start this business. And as a volunteer, I started by registering the company with PACRA (Patents and Companies Registration Agency) then I reached a stage where I was stuck with funds,” Mwansa told ZNBC.
When the government announced its recruitment of health workers, Mwansa eagerly anticipated his chance to serve as a radiography technologist in the civil service but his name never made it to the final list.
For many, such a setback would have marked the end of their dream.
But for this young man, it was the beginning of something greater.
Instead of wallowing in disappointment, he turned his pain into purpose.
He shared the nightmares he went through before becoming his own boss.
“My bag was my house, I used to carry clothes to change, I would bath from the hospital, I would do the night shift and in the morning I would go do some other pieceworks,” he said.
The young proprietor seems overjoyed that he is one of the few young people making a change in society by complementing government’s efforts.
The 28 year old has not only created employment for himself but has also employed two of his fellow youths at the centre.
Mwansa added that he looks forward to eyeing government funds in order to expand his business..
By Catherine Pule
Credit: KALEMBA