The Ministry of Defence has commended the medical team at Maina Soko Medical Centre for successfully performing a delicate surgery to remove a bullet from a 16-year-old boy’s chest. The teenager, a Grade 10 pupil from Mazabuka District, had been living with the bullet since 2020 after being struck while asleep during the gassing fracas that affected parts of the country.
During a visit to the medical facility, Ministry of Defence Permanent Secretary Maambo Hamaaundu praised the team for their expertise in handling complex medical cases. He emphasized that the successful operation not only brought relief to the boy and his family but also highlighted Zambia’s capacity to deliver professional medical care.
“This achievement speaks to the dedication and skill of our medical professionals,” Mr. Hamaaundu stated. “The boy’s successful surgery is a testament to the advanced medical capabilities we have in the country.”
Doctors at Maina Soko Medical Centre have confirmed that the teenager is recovering well and is expected to be discharged soon. The center’s anesthesiologist, Lieutenant Colonel (Dr.) Kaunda Lwimba, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise and serve the nation.
The intervention was made possible following a directive from Zambia Army Commander, Lieutenant General Geoffrey Choongo Zyeele, who took action after learning about the boy’s condition through local media.
Meanwhile, the teenager’s mother, Mrs. Charity Hanyaanga, has expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Zambia Army Command and the medical team at Maina Soko Medical Centre. She described the successful operation as a life-changing event that has restored her son’s well-being.
The Zambia Army’s role in facilitating the surgery further underscores the military’s commitment to supporting healthcare initiatives and ensuring access to critical medical care for those in need.