Although the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that there should be a health centre within a 5 to 10 kilometre radius in any given community, that appears to be a very pipe dream in many communities around the country.
One such community is the Kacheta area of Chilanga’s Nakachenje Ward which is approximately 40 kilometres away from Lusaka. In this area, people walk as many as 20 kilometres to access health care at the nearest Nakachenje Mini Hospital.Many have died on the way trying to seek medical care.
This was revealed during the launch of The Technical Institute of Chilanga Clinic in Kacheta area. According to Mr Chrispa Mulenga who is the Managing Director of The Technical Institute of Chilanga, many people in the area have over the years trying to seek medical attention.
“These people who have died over the years are not just statistics. They are sons and daughters of the soil whose lives were unfortunately prematurely cut short and these could’ve somehow contributed to the development of this area and also the nation at large,” he said.
“Although The Technical Institute of Chilanga is a skills training centre, we have been compelled to erect this clinic so that we can be able to take care of the health needs of not only our students but also the entire community here who are in thousands,” Mr Mulenga said.
Chilanga Town Council Chairperson Champion Tembo officially launched the Technical Institute of Chilanga Clinic.
Officiating at the event, Mr. Tembo said the opening of the clinic marks a significant milestone in the development of the district. He noted that the facility will bring health services closer to communities, many of whom have long travelled great distances to access basic medical care.
Mr. Tembo added that the health facility the first Health Professional Council of Zambia–accredited clinic run by a TEVET institution is a remarkable achievement that demonstrates the institute’s forward-thinking vision.
Mr Tembo also pledged that although the clinic is private, government through the District Health office would start stocking it with medicines since its offering free health services to the community.
At the same event, the Technical Institute of Chilanga held its first graduation ceremony for the 2024 Constituency Development Fund–sponsored students.
Formerly called Nsanje Hills Training Institute, The Technical Institute of Chilanga is one of the leading TEVET institutes in the country and offers various vocational professional courses.