29/06/2025
A BREATH OF LIFE FOR MUCHINGA!
CHINSALI GENERAL HOSPITAL COMMISSIONS STATE-OF-THE-ART OXYGEN PLANT
With joy and pride, the Ministry of Health today commissioned the fifth Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant at Chinsali General Hospital in Muchinga Province, marking another milestone in Zambia’s journey toward building a stronger, more resilient health system.
The oxygen plant is part of a broader national effort to decentralize and strengthen access to lifesaving medical oxygen, especially in rural and high-demand settings. It has the capacity to fill 120 cylinders per day, supporting emergency and routine care across the province.
Speaking at the commissioning, the Honourable Minister of Health expressed deep appreciation for the strategic collaboration between the Government of Zambia, the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and the Global Fund.
“This facility is more than just a technological advancement, it’s a symbol of the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Hakainde Hichilema, and our shared commitment to safeguarding the lives of our people,” the Minister said.
Since 2003, Zambia’s partnership with the Global Fund has brought in a total of USD 1.8 billion in health support. A new grant of USD 349 million will help scale up interventions to fight HIV, TB, and Malaria between 2024 and 2026.
But the story doesn’t stop there!
The plant is equipped with programmable logic control systems, allowing engineers to detect faults and respond in real time, ensuring continuous and efficient oxygen delivery. The Ministry is also investing in training biomedical engineers and developing a strong maintenance ecosystem to ensure long-term sustainability.
This facility is the fifth to be commissioned, following plants at:
1. National Heart Hospital (Lusaka)
2. Kalindawalo General Hospital
3. Kasama General Hospital
4. Kabwe Central Hospital
An additional plant is set to be commissioned at St. Paul’s Mission Hospital, bringing the total investment to USD 10.48 million. Each site is supported with backup generators, oxygen delivery trucks, boosters, and other critical equipment.
This achievement is part of the National Medical Oxygen Strategic Plan 2022–2026, developed in partnership with the World Bank, UNICEF, PATH, Clinton Health Access Initiative, CHAZ, and others.
From just six functional oxygen plants in 2021, Zambia now boasts 35 PSA plants, two completed bulk liquid oxygen tanks (Levy Mwanawasa and Livingstone Teaching Hospitals), and two more near completion at Ndola and Kitwe Teaching Hospitals.
The Global Fund’s emergency response support during that time helped save lives and laid the foundation for the system we are building today.
Let us celebrate this achievement. Let us nurture our partnerships. And let us continue working together for a healthier Zambia.
Georgia M. Chimombo
Chris M. Mfula
📸 Credit: Wezzy Simbeye