By Joseph Kamanga
The Czech Republic’s medical mission to Zambia has continued to strengthen bilateral cooperation in healthcare, with a team of ten Czech heart specialists currently conducting life saving cardiac surgeries at the National Heart Hospital in Chongwe District.
Speaking during a visit to the hospital, H.E. Jiří Kyrian, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Czech Republic to Zambia, said he was delighted to witness the ongoing collaboration between the two countries, describing it as a model of mutual learning and medical excellence.
“I’m happy to see the nice tradition of cooperation in healthcare between our countries continues. Our experts are here to share the best of their knowledge through training and capacity building,” he said.
The ambassador praised the Zambian team for their commitment and readiness to learn, noting that “knowledge is not one way” and that both nations benefit from the exchange. He revealed that the programme had already supported successful surgeries on children with heart conditions and that the partnership would continue with the support of the European Union.
One of the visiting Czech heart specialists disclosed that the team, which arrived earlier in the week, began operations on Tuesday and has so far performed five successful surgeries, with a sixth scheduled for later today. “We are operating on two patients per day, and by the time we conclude our mission on Wednesday, we expect to have completed 13 operations,” the specialist said.
He explained that the ten-member delegation comprises a multidisciplinary group of specialists, clinical and interventional cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, theatre nurses, perfusionists, and cardiac anaesthesiologists working alongside Zambian professionals to enhance capacity and share expertise.
He added that the collaboration also includes an exchange programme, allowing Zambian specialists to undergo orientation and advanced training in the Czech Republic. “Last year, six Zambian experts were trained, and this year the number has increased to seven,” he said.
Hospital Superintendent Dr Chabwera Shumba thanked the Czech government for its continued support, noting that the partnership has significantly improved the hospital’s ability to handle complex cardiac cases and has created opportunities for staff development.
Ambassador Kyrian reaffirmed his country’s commitment to strengthening Zambia’s health system, revealing plans by the Czech Republic to build advanced medical facilities and provide modern ambulances to improve emergency response and healthcare delivery.
He said the investment would complement ongoing cooperation in specialised fields such as cardiology and help Zambia move closer to achieving universal access to quality healthcare.
After the briefing, the delegation toured the hospital’s theatre and intensive care unit, interacting with medical teams conducting the surgeries.
©️ Zambia Reports | November 13th, 2025.