Minister of Health, Elijah Muchima has commissioned an Oxygen Production Plant at National Heart Hospital in Chongwe District that will distribute oxygen to 288 additional health facilities.

Speaking During the ceremony, Dr Muchima said the oxygen plant is the first to be constructed out of the 6 that are valued at over 10 Billion United States Dollars in total. 

Dr Muchima said that several partners have collaborated with the Ministry of Health to address the prevailing challenges of oxygen in the country.

“As you may recall, one of the main challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic was the inadequate supply of oxygen for patients in need,” said Dr Muchima.

And Global Fund Head High Impact Africa 2 Department, Linden Morrison said the plant is a demonstration of the power of partnerships and a preparation for the future pandemics.

Mr Morrison added that his organisation signed four new grants with its Zambian partners that will ensure continuity of support towards the fight against AIDS, TB and Malaria while strengthening public health systems.

Meanwhile, United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) Director for Southern Africa Rainer Frauenfeld said there is a need to put in place systems that will protect the infrastructure.

Mr Frauenfeld added that his organisation is committed to ensuring strong performance in the health sector and infrastructure development.