19/05/2026
UTH ADULT HOSPITAL COMMISSIONS ZAMBIA’S FIRST-EVER STROKE UNIT AND LAUNCHES PATIENT FEEDBACK INITIATIVES
Lusaka 19th May,2026 - UTH Adult Hospital has officially commissioned Zambia’s first-ever Stroke Unit and launched the Complaint Handling Mechanism together with the Client Satisfaction Survey QR Code in a major milestone aimed at strengthening specialised healthcare and enhancing patient-centred service delivery.
The event, held at the Institute for Digital Health at UTH, was officiated on behalf of the Permanent Secretary – Technical Services at the Ministry of Health, Dr Kennedy Lishimpi, by Dr Clive Gosa from the Provincial Health Director’s Office.
In remarks delivered on behalf of Dr Lishimpi, Dr Gosa described the commissioning of the Stroke Unit as a historic milestone in Zambia’s healthcare system and a major step towards specialised and patient-centred healthcare delivery.
Dr Gosa said stroke remains one of the leading causes of death and disability globally, with neurological research indicating that one in every four people worldwide is at risk of suffering a stroke during their lifetime.
He further noted that studies conducted by the neurology team at UTH in 2012 revealed that over 41 percent of stroke patients admitted at the institution did not survive before the establishment of the specialised Stroke Unit.
“Since the introduction of the Stroke Unit in 2023, mortality rates among stroke patients have reduced significantly from about 40 percent to less than 10 percent due to improved specialised care, early intervention, better monitoring, timely rehabilitation, and multidisciplinary management of patients,” he said.
Dr Gosa added that the Stroke Unit was established in October 2023 with support from Johns Hopkins University in the United States of America and initially operated from the first cubicles of wards EO1 and EO2 before renovations were undertaken at PO1 in November 2025 to create a dedicated facility.
He said approximately 425,000 United States Dollars was invested in infrastructure, equipment, specialised training, and support systems through cooperating partners.
Dr Gosa further stated that government remains committed to decentralising specialised stroke care services across the country, with Levy Mwanawasa University Teaching Hospital, Ndola Teaching Hospital, and Kitwe Teaching Hospital already operating functional stroke units following specialised training of healthcare personnel.
Speaking earlier, UTH Adult Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent Dr Charles Mbewe said the commissioning of the Stroke Unit demonstrates the hospital’s commitment to providing specialised, quality, and patient-centred healthcare services.
Dr Mbewe noted that despite operating without dedicated infrastructure at the initial stage, healthcare workers remained committed to providing life-saving care to stroke patients.
He said the dedicated Stroke Unit has already contributed to improved patient outcomes, reduced mortality rates, and enhanced rehabilitation services for stroke patients.
Dr Mbewe also highlighted the importance of patient feedback in healthcare delivery, stating that the launch of the Complaint Handling Mechanism and the Client Satisfaction Survey QR Code would strengthen accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement in service delivery.
“The initiatives will provide patients and members of the public with a platform to share their experiences, suggestions, concerns, and compliments, thereby helping improve the quality of services provided at the hospital,” Dr Mbewe said.
He added that the QR Code system reflects the hospital’s commitment to innovation and digital transformation in healthcare service delivery.
And Director of Training Programme Neurology and Stroke Unit Project, Professor Deana Sylor, commended the collaboration between UTH Adult Hospital, the Ministry of Health, and cooperating partners in establishing the Stroke Unit.
Professor Sylor said the specialised unit represents a significant advancement in stroke care in Zambia and will contribute to saving lives through timely intervention, coordinated treatment, and improved rehabilitation services.
She further praised the dedication of healthcare professionals working in the unit and reaffirmed continued support towards strengthening neurology and stroke care services in the country.
The launch was held under the theme: “Strengthening Patient-Centred Care Through Feedback and Accountability.”
UTH Adult Hospital remains committed to excellence, innovation, and the provision of quality healthcare services for the people of Zambia.
By UTH Adult Hospital Public Relations Unit
