LUSAKA, Zambia – June 7, 2026 – The Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) has moved to reassure the public that hospitals remain the safest places to receive medical care, following growing concerns and claims circulating on social media suggesting that healthcare facilities are inherently unsafe and that medical errors are deliberately concealed from patients.
In a statement issued by ZMA Secretary General Dr. Innocent Ngwira, the association acknowledged that medical errors do occur both globally and locally but emphasized that such incidents are not intentional acts of harm.
The association noted that healthcare systems are complex, and while mistakes can happen, they are investigated, documented, and used as learning opportunities to strengthen patient safety measures and improve healthcare delivery.
Dr. Ngwira explained that Zambia’s hospitals and clinics follow internationally recognized safety protocols aimed at reducing risks and protecting patients. These include infection prevention measures, medication monitoring systems, clinical audits, and surgical safety checklists recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO).
The ZMA stressed that incidents such as wrong-site surgeries and diagnostic errors are rare and that healthcare institutions continuously work to minimize their occurrence through evidence-based systems and professional oversight.
According to the association, medical professionals in Zambia are guided by the Hippocratic Oath and strict ethical standards that require them to act in the best interests of patients, avoid harm, and maintain professional accountability.
The statement further highlighted the critical role hospitals play in saving lives every day through emergency surgeries, childbirth services, treatment of infectious diseases, and management of chronic illnesses.
“In Zambia, hospitals are on the frontline in the fight against malaria, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, maternal mortality, and many other health challenges,” the statement said.
The ZMA also pointed out that healthcare practitioners are regulated by bodies such as the Health Professions Council of Zambia (HPCZ) and the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Zambia (NMCZ), which investigate complaints of malpractice and take disciplinary action where negligence is proven.
Dr. Ngwira said accountability mechanisms already exist within the healthcare system and are designed to ensure that patient welfare remains a top priority.
The association warned that statements suggesting “hospitals are killing people” are misleading and potentially dangerous because they may discourage patients from seeking medical attention when they need it most.
The ZMA noted that delaying or avoiding treatment due to fear could result in preventable complications and deaths from conditions that are otherwise manageable or treatable.
While encouraging patients to remain informed and actively involved in their healthcare decisions, the association urged the public to avoid spreading misinformation that could undermine confidence in healthcare services.
The Zambia Medical Association reaffirmed its commitment to ethical medical practice, transparency, continuous improvement, and patient safety.
“Your health belongs to you, and our duty is to protect it,” the association stated.
