Sata leaves for medical check-up

LUSAKA

Zambia President Michael Sata has left for medical check-up abroad, State House announced Monday.

“His Excellency Mr Michael Chilufya Sata, President of the Republic of Zambia, last night left for medical check up abroad,” said President Sata’s spokesperson George Chellah in a brief statement sent to reporters.

The statement neither mentioned the destination nor the condition for which the 77-year-old leader, whose health has been a subject of speculation, was seeking the attention of doctors for.

“First Lady Dr Christine Kaseba, some family members and his press aide have accompanied the Head of State’’, the statement said.

Zambia celebrates Golden Jubilee on October 24, but given this development President Sata is not likely to attend.

Last month, speculation about Mr Sata’s health got into high gear when the president failed to appear and make the planned speech at the UN General Assembly.

MEDICAL TREATMENT
He later delegated his Foreign minister, Mr Harry Kalaba, who delivered the speech.

Before he left his New York hotel, President Sata held a meeting with his ministers.

In Lusaka, Vice-President Guy Scott told parliament speculation that the Head of State had received medical treatment in New York were false.

Prior to his departure for New York, President Sata opened parliament that same week, joking with lawmakers, telling them: “I am not dead.” Apart from opening parliament, the Zambian leader made two trips out of Lusaka to campaign for his candidates in local elections.

Last month, the Zambian government denied issuing instructions to stop journalists from covering President Sata when he officially opened the Zambian Parliament.

Only journalists from the government-owned media were allowed to cover the event.

President Sata suffered a heart attack in 2008.

The government has insisted that he was discharging his functions normally.