By Evans Zyuulu
Kitumba, Mumbwa District — A 19-member team of Chinese medical personnel has conducted free medical screening services for the Kitumba community, in collaboration with Sinomine Kitumba Minerals Company Limited (SKM).
The initiative brought the much-needed healthcare provision to residents, underscoring the company’s commitment to community wellbeing.
The two-day exercise which ran from November 27th 2025, saw over 300 residents receive free medical checkups at the outreach held at SKM community market.
Representing Central Province Permanent Secretary Dr Milner Mwanakampwe during the programme’s kick-off, Provincial Director of Health Dr. Elijah Mutoloki commended SKM for its proactive role in supporting public health.
Dr Mutoloki described the outreach programme as a demonstration of great achievements that could be realized through collaboration among stakeholders.
“Today’s medical outreach is more than just an event, it’s a demonstration of what we can achieve when we work together for the wellbeing of our people.” He said.
Dr Mutoloki addressing the gathering
Dr Mutoloki said Mumbwa District has had three other outreach programmes where more than 9,000 people received free medical services.
He also praised SKM for its contribution to the child health week activities in Mumbwa District through financial assistance provided through the District Health Office.
He said that the provincial leadership is looking forward to further collaboration with the mining firm to further the company’s strong spirit of wellness and the general well-being of the residents.
26th Medical Team of China to Zambia with some SKM members of staff
Support from Local Leadership
Mumbwa Member of Parliament Credo Nanjuwa, in remarks delivered on his behalf by Mumbwa Council Chairperson Charlie Masumo, emphasized the value of such collaborations in bridging healthcare gaps.
Mr Nanjuwa, who is also the Southern Province Minister, described the exercise by the 26th Medical Team of China to Zambia as an indication of the strong bilateral ties between the peoples of Zambia and China.
“It’s also important to note that such initiatives demonstrate the strong bilateral relationship between Zambia and China especially in the health sector.”
He acknowledged that many residents travel long distances to access health services hence government’s resolve to take health care services as close to the households as possible as has been demonstrated through construction of health centres and employment of about 15,000 health workers in the last four years.
Mr Nanjuwa urged other investors to emulate SKM and work with government and other stakeholders to improve the health standards of the citizens.
And Chief Kaindu’s representative Harrison Chitempulo thanked SKM for its contributions to the welfare of the people of Kaindu Chiefdom.
Mr Chitempulo who is also Headman Sukutwe said SKM has done a lot for the community and urged the company to continue working with other stakeholders to uplift the living standards of the people.
Kitumba Community Members at the outreach
Commitment from the Medical Team
The leader of the 26th Medical Team of China to Zambia Dr. Zhang Yingjian, expressed gratitude for the warm reception and pledged continued cooperation with Zambians to improve lives.
Chinese doctor taking a blood sample from a community member
Community Impact
Residents of Kitumba welcomed the screenings, which included general health checks and consultations.
Many expressed gratitude for the opportunity to access free medical services, especially in a rural setting where healthcare facilities are limited.
SKM’s Role
Sinomine Kitumba Minerals Company Limited has consistently emphasized its responsibility to contribute to social development alongside its mining operations.
The company’s collaboration with the Chinese medical team reflects its broader vision of integrating community welfare into its corporate strategy.
SKM deputy mine manager-Public Relations and administration Mwiinga Chifwepa announced that the company desires to make the free medical checkup exercise an annual event.
Mr Chifwepa also cited the rehabilitation of the Mumbwa- Kitumba Road and the construction of a community market at Kitumba mine site as some of the social development activities the mining firm is undertaking as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
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