University Teaching Hospital to launch Local Renal Transplants in 2026

In a major milestone for the nation’s healthcare advancement, the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) will begin renal transplant procedures using local surgeons starting next year.

Adult Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent Dr. Charles Mbewe told ZNBC News on Friday that the hospital is currently building more capacity to allow local specialists to independently perform the procedures. Previously renal transplants happened with the support of visiting surgeons.

UTH has had a strong growth in infrastructure and service delivery since its founding in 1935. There are over 600 outpatients daily and the hospital can accommodate more than 800 admitted patients because of Zambia’s growing population. The Government has helped with its construction of a new surgical wing with over 250 beds.

The Kidney Foundation of Zambia has thanked the Government, noting that having local renal experts will heavily reduce the financial burden on patients and the state.