Commissioning of the National Heart Hospital oxygen production plant

The Minister of Health Hon Dr. Elijah J. Muchima today officiated the handover ceremony of a medical oxygen production plant at National Heart Hospital to mark its successful completion. The new oxygen production plant, located in Chongwe district, Lusaka, will provide a reliable and sustainable supply of medical-grade oxygen to healthcare facilities within the environs of Lusaka. This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country's healthcare infrastructure and ensure that essential medical supplies are accessible to all citizens.

This achievement represents a significant advancement in strengthening Zambia's healthcare infrastructure and improving access to life-saving medical oxygen across the region. UNOPS (United Nations Office for Project Services), managed the procurement and construction of the facility, which will enhance healthcare services in the region by providing reliable access to medical oxygen, which is essential for treating a range of respiratory and emergency conditions. 

This marks another significant stride towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure. Less than six months ago, UNOPS, UNICEF and the Ministry of Health successfully handed over the medical oxygen production plant at the Kitwe Teaching Hospital, to serve the Copperbelt province and surrounding areas.

UNOPS in partnership with the Global Fund and Ministry of Health is currently embarking on completing the remaining five medical oxygen plants in five provincial hospitals, to enhance oxygen delivery in Zambia. The five hospitals are; Kasama General Hospital (Northern Province), St Paul’s Mission Hospital-Nchelenge (Luapula Province), Kabwe Central Hospital (Central Province), Chinsali General Hospital (Muchinga Province) and the Kalindawalo General Hospital (Eastern Province). 

On 13th May 2024, the Ministry of Health and Global Fund held the ground-breaking ceremony for the 6 hospitals at Kasama General Hospital in Northern Province, officiated by former health Minister Hon. Sylvia T. Masebo.

UNOPS, renowned for its expertise in project implementation and infrastructure development, is overseeing the execution of the oxygen plants buildings construction, ensuring adherence to high-quality standards and timely delivery. This achievement represents a significant advancement in strengthening Zambia's healthcare infrastructure and improving access to life-saving medical oxygen across the region.

The oxygen plants use the Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) technology, in which oxygen is harvested by separating it from air under pressure. This project includes the scoping, design, procurement and installation of oxygen manifolds and pipelines to provide continuous flow of oxygen to critical departments in the six hospitals. A standby generator and a skip truck to transport cylinders will also be provided for the hospital.

“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Zambia through his Excellency, President Mr. Hakainde Hichilema. I also extend my gratitude to the Global Fund and UNOPS for their unwavering dedication, collaboration and swift action in delivering the oxygen plant at National Heart Hospital. Your commitment to the well-being of the people of Zambia has made a significant impact in the fight against COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Let us celebrate this achievement, nurture our partnership, and continue working together to build a healthier and more resilient future for all” stated Minister of Health Hon Dr. Elijah J. Muchima.

“Investing in healthcare infrastructure is not just about addressing immediate needs, it is about building a sustainable future for all. This facility and others across the country will serve as a hub of hope, empowering healthcare workers and equipping them with the tools necessary to provide quality care” stated Rainer Frauenfeld, UNOPS Director for Eastern and Southern Africa.

ENDS

Press contact details:

Leticia Wanyagi, Communications Officer, Email: leticiaw@unops.org

About Global Fund

The Global Fund is a leading international financing organization dedicated to combating HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria. By mobilizing resources and partnering with governments, civil society, and the private sector, the Global Fund works to accelerate progress toward ending these epidemics. Read more: www.theglobalfund.org

About UNOPS

UNOPS mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve peace and sustainable development. We help the United Nations, governments and other partners to manage projects, and deliver sustainable infrastructure and procurement in an efficient way. Read more:

www.unops.org