Kabwe, Zambia – 17 June 2025 — In a landmark development for Zambia’s health sector, Health Minister Dr Elijah Muchima has officially commissioned a state-of-the-art Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plant at Kabwe Central Hospital. The commissioning, which took place on Monday, is being hailed as a critical step in strengthening the nation’s capacity to deliver quality and life-saving healthcare services.
Speaking at the event, Dr Muchima emphasized the significance of the facility, which is designed to produce high-purity medical oxygen directly on-site. This, he said, will dramatically improve patient care outcomes, particularly in emergency wards, intensive care units, and during surgical procedures.
“Allow me to be with you here, of course with the permission of my President, the Republican President, to say with great pride and honour to officially commission the new Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen plant,” said Dr Muchima. “This marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance health care delivery and ensure the wellbeing of our citizens.”
He went on to reveal that the Ministry of Health had, earlier this year, signed a substantial grant agreement with the Global Fund amounting to 349 million US dollars. The funding is earmarked for improving infrastructure, expanding access to essential health commodities, and boosting the country’s pandemic response and resilience capabilities.
According to Dr Muchima, the commissioning of the PSA oxygen plant aligns with the government’s broader commitment to improving health system readiness and reducing reliance on imported medical oxygen. He underscored that locally produced oxygen ensures timely and uninterrupted supply — especially vital during public health emergencies like the COVID-19 pandemic.
The plant will not only serve Kabwe Central Hospital but is also expected to support surrounding healthcare facilities in the Central Province. Medical experts at the hospital expressed optimism, noting that oxygen availability often determines the difference between life and death for critically ill patients.
Dr Muchima praised the engineers, hospital staff, and cooperating partners for their dedication to making the project a reality, and he assured Zambians that the government would continue to prioritize healthcare investments that deliver tangible benefits to the people.
“As we commission this facility today, we renew our pledge to leave no one behind in the delivery of quality healthcare. This oxygen plant represents hope, resilience, and the value we place on human life,” he said.
With this latest investment, Kabwe Central Hospital becomes one of the key institutions in Zambia equipped with a fully functional PSA plant, positioning it as a model for medical innovation and self-reliance in the region.