Kalumbila Hospital Gets K5.7 Million Upgrade From First Quantum Minerals

Kalumbila Hospital Gets K5.7 Million Upgrade From First Quantum Minerals

First Quantum Minerals (FQM) has officially opened an upgraded emergency department at Trident Mine Hospital in Kalumbila District following a K5.7 million investment aimed at improving critical healthcare services for mine workers and surrounding communities.

The expansion includes a specialised resuscitation room for handling complex medical emergencies and increased emergency room bed capacity to improve patient care and response times. The facility currently serves about 17,000 people annually, providing more than 40,000 consultations for employees, contractors, their dependants and members of the public.

The upgrade comes as Zambia intensifies efforts to increase copper production to three million tonnes annually by 2031, with growing mining activities increasing demand for essential services such as healthcare.

FQM Trident General Manager Scott Whitehead says the investment reflects the company’s commitment to ensuring safety and supporting the growth of the mining sector.

“As Trident continues to grow, so does the responsibility that comes with that growth. Our workforce is growing, and the demands on the services that support our people are increasing,” Mr Whitehead said.

He added that strengthening emergency care is an important part of the company’s preparedness strategy.

“Strengthening our emergency care capability is an important part of our emergency preparedness. It is not only about preventing incidents but also being prepared to respond effectively,” he said.
FQM Health and Wellness Manager Kylie van Der Merwe said the facility was developed with input from medical experts to ensure it meets the needs of a growing industrial community.

“This new emergency department represents months of planning, investment, and unwavering commitment. Each design choice was made with one objective: saving lives when every second counts,” Ms van Der Merwe said.

Trident Mine Hospital Chief Medical Officer Dr Jaianth Ramnath said the expansion was necessary to improve patient flow and accommodate more complex medical cases.
“It was imperative that the facility enlarge itself, not only for better patient flow, but to also accommodate the complex cases that come our way,” Dr Ramnath said.

He added that the upgrade was driven by the increasing healthcare needs of the community. “It was necessary, but it was a need more than a want... we are really proud of the facility that we have right now,” Dr Ramnath said.

Meanwhile, Trident Mine Hospital Manager Dynesty Musonda said the upgraded emergency department will improve response and patient outcomes.

“This upgraded emergency room will strengthen our emergency response, improve patient care, and most importantly, help us save lives because every minute matters in emergency medicine,” Mr Musonda said.

The investment highlights the growing role of partnerships between the mining sector and healthcare providers as Zambia works towards expanding copper production while ensuring communities benefit from improved services.