PRESIDENT Hakainde Hichilema has vowed that no Zambian should lose their life simply because an ambulance could not arrive on time.
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Yesterday, the Head of State, represented by Local Government and Rural Development Minister Gift Sialubalo, handed over 119 brand new ambulances to constituencies across the country.
The President said the vehicles were not just machines on wheels but lifelines that would carry mothers, children and patients from danger to safety.
“This is an important investment in the health of our people. We are giving our healthcare professionals the tools they need to continue their life-saving work,” President Hichilema said.
The President explained that the government deliberately increased the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to make decentralisation meaningful and ensure local authorities could deliver critical services directly to the people.
The ambulances, procured through the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), are equipped with modern medical equipment to enable health personnel to conduct life-saving procedures while transporting patients.
And Health Minister Dr Elijah Muchima could not hide his excitement at receiving the vehicles, praising President Hichilema for prioritising the lives of ordinary Zambians.
“You are the first President in the history of Zambia to perform in this manner… Some ambulances before were costing US$ 250,000, but with your careful, analytical mind, these are costing US$79,000. The savings are now saving the lives of the Zambian people,” Dr Muchima said.
He assured that the Ministry of Health would take responsibility for servicing and maintaining the vehicles so that they remain on the road saving lives.
The new ambulances are expected to reduce maternal deaths, speed up accident response and make healthcare more accessible for remote communities who have long struggled to reach hospitals in emergencies.
By George Musonda
Kalemba September 18, 2025
