WUMI MINI HOSPITAL: FQM REINFORCES QUALITY HEALTHCARE DELIVERY IN KALUMBILA
KALUMBILA, ZAMBIA – Modern public health infrastructure remains essential in the drive to strengthen local healthcare systems and enhance quality delivery to rural communities where access is hampered by both distance and resources.
However, the narrative is changing for the community in Kalumbila Town in North-Western Province, following the completion and handover by First Quantum Minerals (FQM) – through its subsidiary FQM Trident, working with other private sector members in the area – the fully equipped Wumi Mini Hospital to the Ministry of Health.
Bringing Healthcare Closer to the Community
Built at a cost of K18.7 million, the Wumi Mini Hospital will provide quality healthcare services to thousands of residents, and features a maternity services wing, an outpatient department (OPD), a laboratory, a radiology unit for X-ray services, and a mortuary. Support services such as laundry, waste management, a treated water supply, and a backup power generator have also been integrated into the facility. Furthermore, a mini theatre is currently in development through partner support.
The presence of such a facility in the area offers welcome relief, as the nearest government facility with similar services is 98 kilometres away — in the neighbouring town of Lumwana. The hospital not only brings healthcare services closer to the people but also ensures timely treatment of patients by certified healthcare providers.
Supporting the Vision for a Healthier Zambia
The Minister of Health, Dr Elijah Muchima, hailed the project, which stemmed from a shared vision for a healthy and productive population, as a prime example of a successful public-private partnership aimed at improving the nation’s health standards.
“This facility is more than brick and mortar. It is a tangible expression of collaboration, compassion, and our collective vision for a Zambia where access to quality healthcare is not a privilege reserved for the few, but a right secured for all,” said Dr Muchima.
He further stated that the initiative supports the government’s 8th National Development Plan and the National Health Strategic Plan 2022–2026, which prioritise building a resilient, people-focused, and equitable healthcare system. In a bid to achieve this in recent years, the government has recruited over 20,000 health workers nationwide; completed the construction of and upgrades to 279 healthcare facilities; introduced the digital patient tracking initiative through SmartCare+; and improved medical supply availability.
It takes a ‘village’
The health of a community has an impact on its overall productivity.
According to the Ministry of Health, Kalumbila District has a population of 223,675 which is served by 60 health facilities, but only one first-level hospital. This is further compounded by the staffing and the reliable transport challenges for the district’s health services.
Through stakeholder engagement, the need to establish a mini hospital was identified, with several collaborating partners coming on board to provide financial and material support over the course of the project, including an initial contribution of K3.7 million from Bulk Mining Explosives (BME), and further support from INZU Mining Ltd and CG Zambia.
His Royal Highness, Senior Chief Musele Musokantanda IV, and the Kalumbila Housing Pastors Fellowship played a vital role in guiding and supporting the project.
His Royal Highness, who also attended the handover ceremony, said: “Development does not happen in isolation. As traditional leaders, we must partner with investors and government to secure the future of our people. I commend FQM for listening to the concerns of our community and responding with action. This hospital is a direct result of our open-door dialogue and shared vision for Kalumbila.”
FQM’s Vision and Commitment to Responsible Mining and Development
FQM Country Manager Dr Godwin Beene relayed the mining firm’s vision, which is rooted in the belief that true mining prosperity is measured by the magnitude of multiplier social and economic benefits triggered in host communities, and that the company believes that communities affected by its business should benefit through opportunities such as healthcare service enhancement.
“Large-scale mining prosperity attracts population growth, and we have witnessed this in Solwezi District where we have our flagship investment as well as in Kalumbila District. This change in population presents additional demand for social services and infrastructure, as is the case with Wumi Mini Hospital,” he said.
The Wumi Mini Hospital is part of FQM’s wider “Butuntulu Bwa Nyaunda” (Health for the Community) programme. Previous health infrastructure projects in the province include the construction of five new health facilities in Chief Musele’s area, the refurbishment of the Kisasa Rural Health Centre, and significant upgrades to facilities at Solwezi General Hospital.
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About First Quantum Minerals Ltd
First Quantum Minerals Ltd is a global metals and mining company producing mainly copper, gold and nickel. The company’s assets are in Zambia, Spain, Mauritania, Australia, Finland, Turkey, Panama, Argentina and Peru.
In 2024, First Quantum globally produced 431,000 tonnes of copper, 139,000 ounces of gold and 24,000 tonnes of nickel.
In Zambia it operates the Kansanshi mine and smelter in Solwezi, and the Sentinel copper mine and the Enterprise nickel mine in Kalumbila.
The company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
http://www.first-quantum.com/
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