FORMER PRESIDENT EDGAR LUNGU'S HEALTH STATUS REMAINS PRIVATE.

 GOVERNMENT has disclosed that former President Edgar Lungu’s health status remains private.

Minister of Health Elijah Muchima said Mr Lungu's health status will remain confidential, as disclosing it would violate medical ethics.

Speaking in Parliament today, Dr Muchima said while Mr Lungu is receiving medical attention in South Africa, his health status will not be disclosed as it is a personal matter.

"Government cannot divulge or discuss the health status of any citizen because every Zambian is entitled to privacy. Furthermore, such a discussion would be against medical ethics, as it would betray the doctor-patient relationship," Dr Muchima said.

He said all Zambians, including former presidents, are entitled to access quality healthcare services, whether locally or abroad.

"The government has always facilitated medical interventions for Mr Lungu whenever he has requested assistance, both locally and abroad," he added.

Dr Muchima revealed that the last medical trip arranged for Mr Lungu by the government was scheduled for September 2023, but he was unable to travel due to personal commitments.

He further explained that on January 10, 2025, government received correspondence regarding Mr Lungu’s health and made arrangements accordingly.

The Minister said on January 17, government was informed that all costs for the trip would be covered by Mr Lungu himself and that the initial correspondence was merely for notification purposes.

Meanwhile, Forum for Democracy and Development (FDD) leader Edith Nawakwi is also unwell and receiving medical attention.

Dr Muchima said government is doing everything possible to support the former minister.

(Mwebantu, Thursday, 20th February, 2025)