Ministry of Health Challenges Viral Complaint Against Solwezi Urban Clinic

The Ministry of Health has released the findings of an investigation into complaints made on social media about alleged lengthy waiting times and medicine shortages at Solwezi Urban Clinic, saying official clinical records contradict key aspects of the account.

The complaint was circulated on Facebook by an account operating under the name “Analyse with Jermah Seasonz,” which the Ministry identifies in health facility records as Jerma Kazadi. According to the Ministry’s statement dated 24 September 2026, Mr Kazadi alleged that he experienced severe service delays while seeking treatment for his six-year-old daughter and that the clinic had run out of essential medicines.

Given the allegations involved paediatric care at a public health facility, the Ministry says it ordered an administrative and clinical audit through the Solwezi District Health Office and North-Western Provincial Health Office. Investigators reviewed medical registers, attendance logs and clinical encounter notes to reconstruct the visit.

According to the Ministry’s account, Mr Kazadi arrived at Solwezi Urban Clinic at 21:05 hours on 22 September with his daughter, who had reportedly experienced watery diarrhoea and vomiting for one day.

The Ministry says the child was examined by a Clinical Officer General with support from the nurse on duty and was found to be stable, with no clinical signs of dehydration.

It says the entire process, covering registration, examination, prescription, pharmacy dispensing and discharge, took approximately 35 minutes. This contrasts with the social media allegation of a three-to-four-hour wait before screening.

The Ministry also disputes claims that the clinic had run out of medicines. According to its investigation, all prescribed medication was available at the facility and provided free of charge. It lists Oral Rehydration Salts, Zinc Sulfate, Metoclopramide and Paracetamol among the medicines dispensed.

The Ministry says the child was subsequently discharged with home-care guidance.

Despite challenging the account posted online, the Ministry acknowledged that public perception and constructive feedback remain important in identifying weaknesses in the health system.

It says targeted recruitment and staff redistribution are being undertaken at high-density urban health centres such as Solwezi Urban Clinic, while it is working with the Zambia Medicines and Medical Supplies Agency to maintain supplies of essential medicines.

The Ministry has also directed facilities to enforce fast-tracking procedures for vulnerable patients, including children, elderly people and emergency cases.

Members of the public have been encouraged to report concerns through facility management, District Health Offices, suggestion boxes or the Ministry’s toll-free line 909.

The Ministry has, however, urged members of the public and commentators to verify information with health facilities before circulating allegations which it says could cause unnecessary distress or undermine confidence in healthcare workers.

The statement was issued by Ministry of Health Head of Communication and Public Relations Twaambo Siawapa.