MAINA Soko Medical Centre has recorded an increase in patient numbers and improvements in specialised medical care, commandant brigadier general Dr Levy Muchemwa has revealed.
Speaking during the giving of hampers to new borns and patients by Zambia Army commander lieutenant General Geoffrey Zyeele, Brig Gen Dr Muchemwa said the military hospital has continued to operate normally, with patient figures rising steadily over the past three years.
Brig Gen Dr Muchemwa said from 47,000 patients recorded in 2022, the hospital has so far attended to 93,000 patients as of November 2025, with updated figures expected to surpass 100,000.
“On average, we see about 8,000 patients every month and about five percent of those we attend to are admitted,” he said.
He disclosed that as at New Year’s Day, Maina Soko Medical Centre had 64 admitted patients, among them, 13 serving military personnel, three retired senior officers, 10 soldiers and 31 civilians and the rest, dependants.
Brig Gen Dr Muchemwa said the hospital continues to play a dual role, serving both military personnel and civilians on an almost 50-50 basis.
He further revealed that the hospital conducted 1,708 surgeries in 2025 alone, including complex procedures that were previously referred outside the country.
“On average, we conduct two brain surgeries every week, which translates to about eight brain surgeries per month,” he said.
Meanwhile, the medical centre had one New Year baby, while two other babies delivered through surgical procedures two days earlier, were still under care at the facility.
However, Brig Gen Dr Muchemwa admitted that manpower remains a challenge, particularly the shortage of senior doctors and consultants, despite recent postings of additional medical personnel.
On infrastructure, Brig Gen Dr Muchemwa said a reported leak in one section of the hospital is set to be addressed, with the Army’s infrastructure department expected to inspect the affected area following directives from the Defence Minister.
He assured that the hospital remains fully operational, with 99 percent of its medical equipment functional.
Brig Gen Dr Muchemwa thanked Lt Gen Zyeele for his continued support and guidance throughout 2025, saying the hospital management and staff remain hopeful of sustained backing in 2026 as Maina Soko continues to expand its capacity and services.
By George Musonda
Kalemba January 2, 2025
