Yesterday, Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Hon. Gift Sialubalo, MP, led a delegation on a tour of Innoray Medical Equipment Company Limited. The team included Information and Media Permanent Secretary, Mr. Thabo Kawana, and Local Government and Rural Development Permanent Secretary for Administration, Dr. Gabriel Pollen.
Innoray Medical Equipment Company Limited is a Zambian manufacturer producing hospital furniture and assembling X-ray machines locally. The visit highlighted the government’s focus on supporting local industry and promoting Public Private Partnerships (PPPs).
Hon. Sialubalo commended Innoray Medical Equipment for responding to President Hakainde Hichilema’s call for PPPs, noting that the company contributes to investment, job creation, and revenue generation in Zambia. He observed that partnerships between local enterprises and foreign capital align with the President’s vision for a conducive business environment and productive cooperation.
The Minister highlighted that increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) allocations would allow local authorities to procure Zambian-made medical equipment, including hospital furniture and X-ray machines, for community-level projects such as maternity annexes, mortuary units, and health posts. This approach aims to improve healthcare service delivery nationwide.
Hon. Sialubalo urged Members of Parliament and local authorities to prioritize procurement of locally manufactured medical equipment, emphasizing Zambia’s capacity to meet its healthcare needs. He also praised Innoray Medical Equipment for offering competitive rates and high-quality products, which reduce reliance on imports and save time and resources.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to extending primary healthcare to even the remotest areas of Zambia, with locally produced medical equipment playing a critical role.
Mr. Thabo Kawana noted that the visit directly responded to President Hichilema’s call for partnerships that promote investment, knowledge, and skills transfer. He emphasized that Zambia must adopt top-tier technology across all sectors rather than settling for second-class alternatives.
Dr. Crispin Moyo, CEO of Atwende Healthcare, highlighted that the government’s engagement demonstrates recognition of local industry as a key partner in national development. He explained that Atwende Healthcare, a wholly Zambian-owned company, strengthens the healthcare sector through local manufacturing and supply of hospital equipment.
Dr. Gabriel Pollen praised Innoray Medical Equipment Company as an example of Zambia addressing global challenges through innovation and collaboration. He reiterated that partnerships between local enterprises and foreign capital reflect the President’s vision of fostering a productive business environment.
Mr. Lei Andrew Qu, CEO of Innoray Medical Equipment Company Limited, expressed gratitude to the Zambian government for supporting foreign investment and local partnerships, particularly through the joint venture with Atwende Healthcare.
The visit underscored the government’s commitment to strengthening local healthcare manufacturing, expanding public-private collaboration, and improving service delivery across Zambia.