A New Era for Zambia’s Health…as Leaders Urge Private Sector to Pioneer Innovative Solutions
Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi
By Hellen Bwalya
In an impassioned call to action, leaders from Zambia’s health and private sectors converged at the Entrepreneurial Medical Indaba to reimagine the nation’s healthcare future.
The event, a collaboration between
Southern Africa Institute for Collaborative Research and Innovation Organisation (SAICRIO), TeleDoctor Zambia, the Zambia Medical Association (ZMA), and the Resident Doctors Association of Zambia, served as a launchpad for innovative ideas aimed at tackling long-standing health challenges.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Health, Dr Kennedy Lishimpi, Permanent Secretary for Technical Services at the Ministry of Health, set a bold tone by declaring that healthcare is no longer the sole responsibility of the government. He emphasized that the growing population, burden of disease, and need for accessible services require new models of thinking and working.
”Entrepreneurship brings new models of service delivery that are patient-centered and responsive, technological innovation, fresh capital and investment, and job creation,” Dr Lishimpi said. “The future of medicine will be driven not just by public policy, but by innovation and bold ideas from the private sector.”
Dr Lishimpi challenged medical professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors to develop AI-powered solutions and digital platforms tailored to Zambia’s unique context. He stressed the need for collaboration with the Ministry of Health to ensure these innovations are safe, ethical, and scalable. He also urged investors to look beyond traditional ventures and support homegrown solutions.
In an off-the-cuff moment, Dr Lishimpi highlighted the need to reform university education to better prepare students for research and development. He questioned why Zambia, with its rich mineral resources and intellectual talent, has not yet developed vaccines for persistent diseases like Lassa fever or Dengue.
”How are we going to create a pool of individuals that can fit in the lab and do research and develop?” he asked. “How are we going to create individuals who model the country’s disease profile for the next 60 years?”
Zambia Medical Association president, Dr Namasiku Phiri, echoed the sentiment of a healthcare system in need of transformation. Dr Phiri underscored a severe deficit of medical doctors, citing a ratio of one doctor per 3,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s recommendation of one doctor per 1,000. This translates to a shortage of 14,000 doctors he hinted.
Despite acknowledging the government’s efforts in employing over 20,000 healthcare workers and increasing healthcare spending, Dr Phiri stressed that the private sector must complement government efforts. He advocated for the enhancement of medical internships and recognized structured volunteerism as a valid form of community service.
The gravity of the moment was perhaps best captured by Dr. Wilbroad Mutale, founder of SAICRO and Teledoctor. In his welcoming remarks, he called on attendees to be “dreamers, builders, and changemakers.”
”The world does not reward intention, it rewards execution,” Dr Mutale said. “The solution Zambia is waiting for may very well be sitting in this room.”
He revealed that an estimated $50 million is needed to address the crisis facing doctors, a sum he believes is achievable if half of Zambia’s population contributes just five Kwacha each.
Tontela Siwale, Managing Director for One Life Assurance Company, also spoke at the event, recognizing the symposium for harmonizing entrepreneurship and employment. Siwale praised the gathering of early-career medical doctors and reiterated the need for on-the-ground solutions for a sustainable Zambia.
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