Chambishi Copper Smelter (CCS) is under scrutiny after issuing a directive restricting employees to only seek medical attention from three specific hospitals, a move that has drawn concern from workers and local governance advocates.
According to an internal memo signed by CCS Deputy Chief Executive Officer Cheng Mingming on April 24, 2025, employees are now only permitted to visit Ronald Ross Hospital, Nchanga North Hospital, and Sinozam Hospital for medical treatment and to obtain sick notes. The memo cites growing concerns over forged sick notes and fraudulent medical discharges allegedly used by some employees.
“Management has discovered that some employees have been going to Sinozam Hospital and other Government health facilities to acquire fake sick notes to cover for them whenever they are absent from work,” the memo states. “We have also discovered that some employees are conniving with some health facilities to get medical discharge recommendations.”
The memo warns that any employee found guilty of such misconduct will be dismissed and reported to law enforcement authorities for prosecution.
Furthermore, Mr. Cheng emphasized that medical documents from any health facility outside the approved list will only be accepted if they come through a formal referral from one of the recognized hospitals. This, he said, is part of CCS’s strategy to maintain discipline and integrity within its workforce.
However, the new policy has stirred discontent among CCS employees, some of whom have described the decision as impractical and inhumane. “This is not logical. Just imagine a sick person from Chambishi being forced to seek medical attention in Kalulushi or Kitwe. This is like slavery,” said one worker who asked not to be named for fear of reprisal.
Local governance activist Chikabala Kaleta also criticized the decision, saying the policy infringes on workers’ rights and undermines access to timely healthcare. “I totally disagree with what Chambishi Copper Smelter is doing. You can’t restrict workers on health matters in such a way. We challenge CCS to build a hospital in Chambishi instead of referring workers to far located health facilities. These companies must have a human-face,” Kaleta said.
He called on the Zambian Government and trade unions to step in and prevent CCS from enforcing the directive, warning that the restriction could set a dangerous precedent in workers’ welfare management.
As the debate unfolds, CCS has yet to respond to public criticism, but the issue is gaining momentum as both labor representatives and community leaders demand that workers’ access to healthcare remain a fundamental right.