Maina Soko Military Hospital
| Maina Soko Military Hospital | |
|---|---|
| Location | Woodlands, Lusaka, Zambia |
| Hospital type | Military hospital |
| Beds | 200+ (as of 2022) |
| Founded | 1979 |
Maina Soko Military Hospital is a military medical facility located in the Woodlands area of Lusaka, Zambia. Established in 1979 on the site of the former University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Maternity Annex, it was renamed in honor of the late Maina Soko, a Zambian freedom fighter killed by Rhodesian forces.
History
The facility was converted from the UTH maternity annex into a fully fledged military hospital in 1979 and named to commemorate Maina Soko's sacrifice during the liberation struggle.[1]
Facilities and Services
The hospital provides a range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, obstetrics, paediatrics, and neurosurgery. In recent years it underwent significant upgrades and now includes operating theaters, intensive care units, and diagnostic facilities.[2][3]
In 2023, the hospital successfully conducted advanced brain surgery in collaboration with visiting Chinese military medical personnel.[4]
International Cooperation
Since 1990, the hospital has received ongoing support from Chinese military medical teams. In 2022, Zambian officials publicly thanked the Chinese for their contributions during the COVID‑19 pandemic and for continuous training and supply of medical equipment.[5][6]
Role in Zambia’s Healthcare System
As the principal military hospital, it serves Armed Forces personnel and their families, but it also treats civilians in emergency situations. The hospital supports national medical training initiatives, offering placements for interns and resident physicians.[7]
Commemorations
The hospital stands not only as a healthcare facility but also as a monument to Maina Soko. Zambia awards military medical personnel at the site with certificates of recognition, reinforcing its symbolic importance.[8]
Future Developments
A major expansion costing approximately US $140 million was underway by 2021 to further upgrade inpatient capacity and surgical facilities. There are also plans to establish outreach clinics in rural areas to extend military medical support nationwide.[9]
See also
References
- ↑ Conversion to military facility statement – Jack Zimba blog & Zambian Observer, 2021
- ↑ China–Zambia medical cooperation – Lusaka Times, 22 Aug 2022
- ↑ Successful brain surgery report – Kalemba News, 21 Jun 2023
- ↑ International awards for military medical teams – Xinhua, 22 Feb 2025
- ↑ “China thanked for its cooperation and continued support to Maina Soko Medical Centre,” Lusaka Times, 22 Aug 2022 – https://www.lusakatimes.com/2022/08/22/china-thanked-for-its-cooperation-and-continued-support-to-maina-soko-medical-centre/
- ↑ “Zambia awards Chinese medical team,” Xinhua, 22 Feb 2025 – https://english.news.cn/africa/20250222/d802195a939e433482d28b71a6c8911a/c.html
- ↑ FOCAC/Zambian defense medical cooperation, 2024 – https://www.focac.org/eng/zfgx_4/rwjl/202403/t20240307_11254769.htm
- ↑ Awards and ceremonies – Xinhua, 22 Feb 2025
- ↑ Expansion discussed – Zambian Observer, 8 Jul 2021
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