In a major step forward for maternal healthcare, the University Teaching Hospital (UTH), Zambia’s premier tertiary referral facility, has officially introduced an epidural service to provide effective pain relief during labor and childbirth.
The new service offers epidural analgesia, widely regarded as one of the most effective methods for managing intense labor pain. By injecting a local anesthetic near the spinal cord, it significantly reduces or eliminates pain while allowing mothers to remain alert and actively participate in delivery. This advancement is especially welcome at UTH’s busy Women and Newborn Hospital, where high-risk and complicated pregnancies are routinely managed.
UTH Head of Clinical Care, Dr Agripa Lungu has confirmed the development, stating that the service will be offered on a premium and optional basis.
Dr. Lungu says the procedure will attract a minimal fee of K5,000, while consultations are still ongoing to determine which medical insurance providers will cover the service.
The introduction of epidural anesthesia has sparked mixed reactions among women.
While many have welcomed the move as a significant step towards improving maternal comfort and healthcare services, others have expressed reservations, arguing that labor pain is a natural part of childbirth and should be experienced by every woman.
By Mulenga Chipampe Makasa
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