Chililabombwe recently unveiled a brand new clinic, ambulance at a total cost of K5,550,000 for the provision of primary health services and emergency response to 2,000 employees and contractors.The facility, which can also serve as a first aid centre will operate 24 hours daily, has the capacity to handle multiple emergencies, primary and occupational cases, wellness programmes and trauma cases among others.
Lubambe Copper Mine (LCM) General Manager Operations Tony Davis who officially opened the clinic at the mine site, is happy that the mine has made major strides in raising its standards in safety and health services to its employees. The mining company has also employed highly competent and skilled staff who include a resident medical doctor, paramedic, three nurses and four drivers to provide the best health care services to employees and contractors.
He noted that as Lubambe Mine strives towards attaining its vision of being the best copper mine in Zambia, it was important for the mine to maintain very high standards in key areas such as health and safety. The mine has in the last two years invested heavily in health and safety.
In a statement released by LCM Communications Manager Loyce Saili, Davis expressed happiness that the mine had employed the right people to provide emergency response and quality health care to the workforce.
Mineworkers Union of Zambia (MUZ) Branch Chairperson Godfrey Mwale who represented all three labour unions and was recognised at the mine, thanked management for the construction of the clinic which he said had come at the right time.
Mine Manager Alfred Ng’ambi expressed happiness that the construction of the clinic would enable workers to receive quick and quality health care.
Resident Medical Doctor Thierry Mumba said he was delighted that Lubambe was adhering to the World Health Organisation’s call for strengthened health systems across the globe through the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He advised employees to make good use of the facility and that the medical team was there to serve them.
The clinic also has 12 lead Electrocardiograms (ECG) with the latest ECG interpreting software, in line with CO2 monitoring for ventilated patients, external pacing, defibrillator, blood pressure and temperature monitoring, automated haematology machine, bedside sonar, autoclave steriliser to sterilise surgical instruments, emergency trolley with the emergency medication and ventilator.
Other facilities include an emergency bed allowing for resuscitation and the transportation of the patient with the mattress, intraosseous drill and needles to establish a high capacity line for patients in a trauma case.The new ambulance is equipped with
modern equipment that includes a full assist ventilation transport ventilator which is electrically driven and uses less oxygen than other transport ventilators allowing for longer ventilation time per oxygen cylinder.
Previously, the mine only had a one room facility which was inadequate in terms of space and offered no privacy for patients. The old facility had no capacity to accommodate multiple casualties or incidents due to inadequate space and equipment. In total contrast, the new clinic will offer world class standards and medical services.
By Martin Musunka, Solwezi Today.
