Reported by: The Agency Media.
Date: 24th April, 2025.
Solwezi, North Western Province, Zambia.
In a major step toward enhancing clinical training and strengthening Zambia’s healthcare system, the government has officially commissioned the Solwezi Vocational Centre of Excellence for Clinical Skills at Solwezi General Hospital.
Developed at a cost of K7.5 million with support from Swiss NGO SolidarMed, the facility represents a new era in practical, hands-on medical education.
The state-of-the-art training centre aims to bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice by offering simulated medical environments where students can gain vital skills in obstetrics, internal medicine, pediatrics, and surgery.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, North-Western Province Minister Robert Lihefu emphasized the centre’s alignment with the Eighth National Development Plan and Zambia’s Vision 2030.
“The centre is not just an infrastructure investment; it is an investment in the health and productivity of our people,” said Mr. Lihefu. “With access to modern training equipment and resources, our health professionals will be better prepared to meet the growing demand for quality healthcare services.”
The facility boasts 17 bed spaces for clinical simulation, an e-learning resources room for 24 students, and a 100-seat lecture hall. It is designed to provide a comprehensive learning environment, enabling trainees to practice critical procedures before entering real-world medical settings.
SolidarMed Country Director Kupela Clarke commended the strong collaboration with the Zambian government and noted that this is the third such centre built in Zambia since the organization began operations in 2009.
“We are proud to support a model of education that integrates practical learning with clinical exposure,” said Ms. Clarke. “This approach ensures that healthcare professionals are well-prepared from day one.”
The partnership is set to expand, with new centres planned for Mansa and Livingstone by 2026—bringing the total to six across the country.
Dr. Kitanda Sondashi, Senior Medical Superintendent of Solwezi General Hospital, expressed optimism about the centre’s role in elevating healthcare delivery in the region. “This facility positions us to become a regional teaching hospital. It will transform how we train, mentor, and prepare future health workers,” he said.
Local Member of Parliament and Government Chief Whip Stafford Mulusa echoed the sentiment, urging hospital authorities to prioritize the centre’s sustainability. “This facility must be preserved, maintained, and optimized to ensure its long-term impact,” he said.
The commissioning of the Solwezi Vocational Centre of Excellence marks a turning point in Zambia’s commitment to high-quality, skill-based medical education—one that holds promise for stronger health outcomes nationwide.
The Agency.