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In The Caring Business
For the last
twenty-five years, it has been a part of my life and in that time, I
have seen it grow from an idea, somebody’s vision to what is now a
medical clinic and hospital. Care For Business, on Addis Ababa Drive
in Lusaka is what I am talking about.
Way back in
early 1978 was the first I heard of this new clinic. And I first
heard about it from my father, who was one of the early promoters of
this clinic which was started under the auspices of the Commercial
Farmers’ Bureau (now Zambia National Farmers’
Union).
At that stage,
it was only a concept, but within a few months, the clinic, with
minimal equipment and facilities, was up and running in offices with
one doctor and at least one nurse. I don’t remember what other
personnel there were, although Neb Jere (who many will remember as
one of our first Zambian broadcasters) was the person who was
employed to get things going. I also remember being given the job of
issuing membership cards and liaising with Julie Campion, the
accountant at the Farmers’ Bureau over who had paid capitation fees
etc.
Bringing this
clinic from a concept to reality was not without its controversy.
We had, in 1975 and as a result of a government decree, lost our
Zambia Medical Aid Hospital and the only medical facilities open to
us were the government hospitals which left a lot to be desired.
Clearly, there was a need for something to be done, but many people
felt that it was a political hot potato and thought that it should
be left well alone. Thankfully, there were some people who were
prepared to face any problems which might arise and who were
prepared to fight for what they believed in, if necessary.
Over the
years, I have been fortunate in that I have not had to visit the
clinic too often, but I have seen it grow from those very small
beginnings in rented premises to an excellent clinic with several
doctors, technicians and laboratory equipment to go with those
technicians, pharmacists and a dispensary to go with those
pharmacists, nurses, administrators and finally, a few years ago,
into their own custom-built premises. During this period, we also
saw a change of name from the CFB Clinic, CFB standing for
Commercial Farmers’ Bureau, to Care For Business, as well as a
change in the people eligible for membership. Originally, it was
built for the farmers of this country, but is now open to all who
are prepared to pay the very reasonable monthly subscription.
But it didn’t
end there. Now it has grown into a hospital; a hospital able to deal
with many medical situations which until then would either have
meant death or an expensive evacuation to another country.
Again, I have
been fortunate that I have not personally had to be admitted to this
hospital, but I have had the dubious privilege of one of my family
being hospitalised. During this time, I could not have been happier
with the medical and other attention that was received. I was also
impressed with the friendly and caring manner of the staff as well
as the facilities available.
But more than this, it is the knowledge that when needed, good
medical attention and facilities are available.
If you are not
already a member of the CFB, I would certainly recommend that you
visit them, take a look at what they have to offer and then give
serious consideration to becoming a member. The Clinic deserves our
support. |
August 2004