The Office of the Public Protector Zambia (OPPZ) has successfully intervened in a matter involving a 21-year-old engineering student of Mulungushi University who has lived with a complex tumor which requires specialized medical treatment abroad.
The matter was brought to the attention of the OPPZ by the mother of the student, who appealed for assistance as she was unable to raise the funds required for her sonβs specialized treatment overseas. She explained that her son has a tumor diagnosed as neurofibromatosis, which became visibly pronounced in 2007 when he was four years old.
Over the years, the tumor grew significantly, causing facial disfigurement, interfered with the development of his teeth which has affected his ability to chew properly. This condition also exposed him to social ridicule, resulting in emotional and psychological distress.
Upon receiving the complaint from the studentβs mother, the OPPZ commenced a formal investigation which revealed that the student had previously been reviewed by neurosurgeons at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in 2019, who advised that treatment could not be performed in Zambia due to the complexity of his condition.
However, follow-up action had stalled largely due to insufficient clinical documentation, which prompted the complainant to seek the intervention of the Office of the Public Protector.
The Investigations revealed that key medical records lacked sufficient details to support a clear medical decision. This documentation gap slowed down the referral process for many years, limiting the familyβs ability to receive a clear medical position.
Following the OPPZβs intervention and continuous engagements with the responding institutions, the matter was escalated to the Head of Clinical Care (HCC), who instructed that the student undergoes a full medical re-assessment. By 23rd July 2025, the re-assessment had been completed.
In consultation with the Ministry of Health, arrangements for specialized medical treatment abroad were later formalized. By 28th November 2025, official records confirmed that the 21-year-old student had been accepted for treatment at the Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS Hospital) in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
Throughout the process, the OPPZ ensured that all administrative gaps were addressed, verified the authenticity of medical and visa documentation, and monitored the actions of the UTH and the Ministry of Health to ensure accountability.
The Office also verified that the studentβs mother was formally recognized as his attendant for the duration of the medical trip. These interventions ensured that the family received the support they needed and that the referral for specialized treatment abroad was fully facilitated.
Following successful coordination with the University Teaching Hospital, and the Ministry of Health. The case was officially closed as redressed
This outcome reaffirms the OPPZβs commitment to addressing maladministration, promoting accountability, and ensuring that citizens have fair access to essential public services.
You can lodge a complaint by visiting our Headquarters in Lusaka or any of our Provincial Offices. Alternatively, reach us through our website, Facebook, WhatsApp, email, or call us on +260955399655.
