In 1990 a group of surgeons in the University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka decided to form an association of surgeons. An interim committee consisting of Mr. L. Munkonge (Paediatric Surgery), Dr. L. Chansa (Anaesthesia), Professor T. Hlaing (Otorhinolaryngology), Dr. S. Shukla (Ophthalmology) and Mr. K. Erzingatsian (Surgery/Oncology) prepared the initial ground work. In 1991 with the assistance of Dr. Shukla and two members of the committee a constitution was drafted.
The objectives of the Society were:-
1). To promote, foster and assist in the development of the Art and Scienceof Surgery in Zambia;
2).To Encourage Continuing Medical Education;
3).Undertake Research;
4). Hold Scientific meetings and;
5).Offer Fellowship and goodwill between Surgeons.
An inaugural meeting was held on the 7th of March, 1992 in the UTH. Thirty Founding Members were present including 26 surgeons, two physicians, one Gynaecologist and a future Anaesthetist – names and membership lists can be seen in the Appendix. The draft constitution was discussed at length and following revision it was adopted. An executive committee was elected:
Elected Commitee
Chairman
Mr. Tackson K. Lambart
Vice Chairman
Mr. Lupando Munkonge
Secretary
Mr. Krikor Erzingatsian
Treasurer
Mr. Girish Desai
Members
Prof. John Jellis
Mr. Francis Manda
Mr. John C. Masange (Copperbelt)
Mr. Duncan Mugala (Copperbelt)
For un update on all office bearers to, 2006 see appendix
1992 was a turning point for the Society. The 1992 minutes record 14 executive committee meetings; opening of a savings bank account with a deposit of Kwacha 310 (13 Pounds); start of annual subscriptions for Life Members, Members, and Associates –Kw25,000, Kw2,500 and Kw500 respectively; and membership of the International Federation of Surgical Colleges – see letter dated 9th November, 1992 addressed to undersigned in Appendix.
The first scientific meeting was held on 26th September, 1992 in the UTH, and the first Newsletter, was distributed in November, 1992.
In March, 1993 the Society held its first Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference in Chingola. In October of the same year Kabwe hosted the second scientific meeting with invited speakers from the World Health Organisation and South Africa. Further details on subsequent meetings can he accessed in the Appendix section. In 1994/5 efforts were made to procure ties, ladies scarves and round Key rings. Local Firms did not manufacture these, instead an Edinburgh Firm, agreed to produce 200 ties for 780 Pounds and a hundred head scarves for 400 Pounds. The ties were air freighted in 1994 and scarves were brought in 1996 by a visiting lady Orthopaedic surgeon who had generously agreed to undertake the task. A year later the key holders and Logo imprinted ring binders were purchased form the same source and in 2000, because of demand a further 100 ties and 100 scarves were purchased. For a total sum of 976.65 Pounds.
The Society continued to develop over the years and is now well established. Currently it publishes a Newsletter – The Blade, and holds regular skills courses and workshops. These have included: episiotomy suturing techniques for nurses, local anaesthesia cadaver workshop, orbital surgery, surgical skills, Urolink Workshop, plaster technique, trauma management, fracture management, and AO courses. Most of these activities have been generously and regularly supported by Ethicon of Edinburgh. The Royal College of Surgeons of England and South African Orthopaedic colleagues have been offering expertise. Some of these workshops have been held during the combined rotating regional meetings with the Association of Surgeons of East Africa. More recently COSECSA Country Representatives have been active as Co-ordinators and Organizers.
A three-day basic skills course held during the 2005 Medic Africa/SSZ in Lusaka was conducted by visiting UK Surgeons under the auspices of COSECSA. Such cooperation with local, regional and international bodies augers well for the 14 year old Surgical Society of Zambia; the College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa looks forward to mentoring, assisting and complementing the activities of the Surgical Society of Zambia in the future.
