Message from the Board Chairperson

St Francis’ Hospital is the biggest mission hospital in Zambia with a bed capacity of 450.

The Hospital was founded in 1948 by Revd Dr Francis Trefusis as an Anglican Hospital.

The Hospital’s vision has been to serve the population in Katete, particularly the underserved and the vulnerable by providing free but quality health services. The Hospital has grown from a small dispensary with only two nurses and one Doctor to a third level Hospital with over 600 members of staff.

As we celebrate this important milestone, on behalf of the Board, Management and Staff of St. Francis’ Hospital, I would like to welcome you to this celebration and I am very happy you have honoured our invitation.

Allow me to recognize the contribution of many people who have been part of this marvellous journey.

I would like to applaud the Government of the United Party for National Development and previous governments for working closely with the Church in the provision of health services, especially to the underserved population.

The upgrading of this hospital to the third level last year is another demonstration of the Government’s commitment to bringing specialized health care as close to the family as possible. I pay special tribute to Dr Francis Trefusis who pioneered the hospital’s construction from 1948 to 1952, also Dr James Cairns who was

Medical Superintendent for 38 years and has continued to support us.

Special tributes also go to Dr Hugo Heij, Dr Ziche Makukula, Dr Shelagh Parkinson and Dr Simon Chisi who have been in charge since Dr Cairns’ retirement and to Dr Lalick O.C. Banda who has been at the helm of the Hospital since 2016.

I would be failing in my duties if I didn’t recognize the valuable contribution of the following partners to the growth of this institution:

• Medical Support Group of the Netherlands
• Friends of St. Francis Katete
• CBM Canada
• Christians Aware Team
• Churches Health Association of Zambia
• 500 Miles
• Fistula Foundation
• The Caritas Organization of the Catholic Diocese

Lastly, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the Anniversary Organizing Committee for working tirelessly to ensure today’s success as well as to individuals, organizations and businesses who contributed financial and material resources towards hosting this event.

May God richly bless you!

Rt. Revd Bishop William Mchombo

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The United Party for National Development (UPND) applauds the contributions of the church and various partners of St. Francis’ Hospital for supporting the institution in the delivery of health services. Speaking during the Thanksgiving Service, the Provincial Minister for the Eastern Province Hon Peter Simon Phiri MP, said the Government was very happy with the role of the Church and the various partners in supplementing Government efforts in the delivery of health services, especially in rural areas. The Minister

also paid tribute to Dr Francis Trefusis and Dr James Cairns. Speaking earlier, Mr Andrew Cairns, who spoke on behalf of all the partners, thanking the Government for collaborating with the Church Health Institutions in enhancing the delivery of health services. He said the partners of St. Francis’ Hospital are very proud to be associated with the Hospital’s developmental milestones and will continue mobilizing funds to enhance service delivery. He reiterated the commitment of the partners in sourcing a CT scanner and expanding the solar project.

Giving a vote of thanks, Mama Nyangu, who represented HM Kalonga Gawa Undi, said that the traditional leadership is very happy with the work of St. Francis’ Hospital, despite operating under very difficult circumstances. She thanked the Government for providing the necessary drugs and medical supplies for the health facilities in the district.

Fred Ntongwe (St Francis’ Senior Hospital Administrator)