Today, the Zambia Medical Association (ZMA) officially inducted and cloaked 66 Medical Doctors from Texila American University Zambia into the medical profession. The prestigious ceremony was held at Cheryl Gardens, Lilayi, in Lusaka.
This milestone marks not just the end of an academic journey, but the beginning of service to society as proud graduates of Texila American University. The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr. Innocent Ngwira, Secretary General of ZMA, representing Dr. Masiku Phiri, President of the Zambia Medical Association (ZMA); Dr. Mwila Evelyn Mulenga, Chairperson, Medical Education and Research Board – ZMA, Dr. Godfrey Phiri, representing the Guest of Honour, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, Permanent Secretary – Technical Services at the Ministry of Health Zambia(MOH); Vice Chancellor Dr. Balamurugan Easwaran; Brig. Gen. Prof. Lawson Simapuka, Executive Director of the National Forensic Authority ; Dr. Amit Kumar Singh, Dean, School of Medicine.
Speaking on behalf of ZMA President Dr. Masiku Phiri, ZMA Secretary General Dr. Innocent Ngwira welcomed the inductees into the Zambia Medical Association. He reminded them that today’s ceremony is not only a celebration of their achievements, but also a solemn reminder of the responsibilities they now bear as custodians of health and life. He emphasized that medicine is not merely a career, but a noble calling grounded in integrity, compassion, humility, and lifelong learning. Dr. Ngwira underscored the importance of service to humanity, continuous professional development, and ethical responsibility, while encouraging the inductees to actively contribute to health systems, medical research, education, and national development.
Speaking on behalf of the Guest of Honour, Dr. Kennedy Lishimpi, Dr. Godfrey Phiri congratulated the 66 newly inducted doctors, reminding them that today marks not just the end of their academic journey, but the beginning of a life of service and responsibility as custodians of health and life. He urged the new doctors not to measure success solely by service in large hospitals, but by their willingness to serve in district hospitals, rural health centres, and community outreaches where the need is greatest. He further emphasized that while Zambia continues to invest in digital health systems such as SmartCare, EHR, and telemedicine, technology must remain as a tool to enhance care and should never replace the human connection between doctor and patient.
In his address, Brig. Gen. Prof. Lawson Simapuka, Executive Director of the National Forensic Authority, highlighted the integration of medicine with forensic science and that accurate medical documentation, ethical conduct, and scientific rigor are critical to strengthening national health systems. He closed with a call for graduates to uphold the dignity of their profession, prioritize patient well-being, and explore emerging fields that contribute to justice and healthcare advancement.
The Vice Chancellor, Dr. Balamurugan Easwaran, emphasized the values of lifelong learning, integrity, and compassion, noting that academic achievement is not an end in itself, but a gateway to greater professional responsibility, one that extends beyond clinical knowledge to uphold human dignity and ethical service. He further congratulated the inductees and warmly welcomed them into the fraternity of Texila American University graduates.
Before leading the recitation of the oath, a powerful symbol of dedication to the noble profession of medicine, the Zambia Medical Association Secretary General, Dr. Ngwira reminded the inductees that becoming a doctor is an honour that has commanded respect throughout history, but one that must be practiced with ethics at its core. He emphasized that a doctor should never be stranded or feel hopeless after graduation, as medicine offers a wide and open career path. He encouraged them to explore diverse opportunities beyond general practice, including Clinical specialization, Research and Academia.
In his closing remarks, the Dean of the School of Medicine, Dr. Amit Kumar Singh, emphasized that success in medicine rests not only on knowledge but also on the character and values one upholds. He stressed the need to nurture professionalism and empathy alongside clinical competence, and encouraged the 66 new doctors to continually reflect on their oath as they navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead, ensuring their practice remains anchored in service and integrity.
As these 66 newly inducted doctors embark on their medical journey, we celebrate their achievement and look forward to witnessing their impact in the field of medicine and beyond!
Congratulations to the Class of 2026!