HEALTH minister Elijah Muchima has turned down the instruction of disclosing the health statuses of former President Edgar Lungu and FDD leader Edith Nawakwi.
On Tuesday, first deputy speaker of the National Assembly Attractor Chisangano ordered Muchima to give a ministerial statement on Lungu’s and Nawakwi’s health statuses this Thursday, February 20, 2025 after Chasefu Independent Member of Parliament Misheck Nyambose raised a point of order wondering whether the minister was in order to not have informed the nation on the health statuses of two Tonse counterparts.
Yesterday, marked the day for Muchima to update the nation on the topic at hand and in his ministerial statement, the minister stated that he could not disclose the health statuses of the two leaders as they were entitled to privacy.
He said such a discussion would be against the medical practitioner ethics as it borders on betraying the doctor patient relationship which is considered as sacred.
“Every Zambian is entitled to quality medical services as enshrined in the Zambian constitution. Matters to do with the health status of individuals are personal and confidential in nature within the laws governing medical practice. As such, this statement will not delve into the personal information concerning the sixth republican president and the president for FDD,” said Muchima.
He however, informed the nation that government had been looking after the former President whenever he has requested for medical intervention.
Muchima added that the last appointment government made for Lungu, was for him to travel to South Africa on medical grounds in September 2023 even though he decided not to travel due to personal commitments.
“As government, we are committed to providing medical assistance to all our former leaders, regardless of political affiliation,” reassured Muchima.
The Health minister further indicated that on January 10 this year, government was informed that the former President would be travelling to South Africa for medical attention.
Upon receiving this information, Muchima stated that government started preparing for Lungu’s evacuation to Maina Soko Medical Centre so he could later be evacuated to South Africa.
However, on January 17, the former President wrote to Cabinet office that he would meet all costs related to his travel and medical attention, of which it respected his decision.
Muchima further stated that Nawakwi was sick and her health would be monitored through close family members in order for government to know what is needed for the former cabinet minister to be helped.
He urged citizens to wish the two Tonse leaders well on their road to recovery.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, February 21, 2025
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