— Govt to support private investment in the medical sector

Health Minister Joseph Kasonde says government supports private investment in the medical sector because of its capacity to create jobs.

Dr Kasonde said it is government’s desire to have a one-stop industry for medical requisites.

The Minister said the decision by the Zambia-China Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone (ZCCZ) to invite Kingpharm, a Chinese company to build a Medical Park is a manifestation of the PF government’s policy of working with the private sector to improve service delivery in the health sector.

“The PF government welcomes private sector participation in the development of the health sector and what we are witnessing today is testimony to that,” he said.

Dr Kasonde also commended China for being a reliable partner to Zambia in the country’s quest for development.

ZANIS reports that the minister was speaking in Lusaka today when he launched the construction of the Medical Park at the Lusaka East Multi Facility Economic Zone (MFEZ)

And Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Yang Youming said the ZCCZ is a good model for development.

Speaking at the same event, Mr Youming said Multi-Facility Economic Zones are vehicles that are responsible for China’s industrial development.

“ZCCZ is a good model for development. If you to China, Zones like this one have made very good contribution in China’s economic development,” he said.

He said with more Chinese companies expected to establish industries in the Zone, the facility is expected to make significant contribution to the economy.

Mr Youming said his government wants to work with the Zambian government to find ways of further growing the Zambia-China Economic and Trade cooperation.

“The Chinese government is willing to work with the Zambian government to promote economic partnerships which will be for the benefit of the people of the two countries,” he said.

The Chinese ambassador also expressed satisfaction with the role Chinese companies are playing in Zambia’s infrastructure development programme citing the construction of Chiawa Bridge by China Henan Corporation and the Kariba North Bank Extension project which was carried out by Sino Hydro which were launched by Vice President Guy Scott last week.

The first phase of the Medical Park will comprise investment the pharmaceutical sectors like synthetic chemicals and drugs, medical apparatus and instruments, hygiene materials, hospital consumables and packaging materials.

The second phase is targeting specialist hospitals, diagnostic centers, laboratories, and a training school for health professionals.

The Whole project is expected to gobble a total of $ 100 million.