Govt committed to improved health care- Scott

Govt committed to improved health care- Scott
Chipata, January 17, 2014, ZANIS…Vice President Guy Scot says government is
committed to bringing health care services closer to the people
especially expectant mothers.

Dr. Scott stated that the rehabilitation of the Mothers and Relatives
shelters at Chipata General Hospital not only provide shelter but also
create a conducive environment for both mothers and relatives to learn
about nutrition and other health information.

Dr. Scott was speaking in Chipata today when he officially handed over
the rehabilitated Mothers and Relatives Shelter at Chipata General
Hospital.

Earlier, Minister’s spouse’s club matron Charlotte Scot pledged the
clubs continued support towards improving the living standards of
people in the country.

Dr. Scot explained that the club was formed to supplement government’s
efforts in helping the less privileged especially mothers and
children.

She said the club is aware of the many challenges that expectant
mothers in rural areas face to access quality health care.

She said it is for this reason that rural areas have continued to record
high maternal mortality rates.

Dr. Scot added that it was therefore important that mothers with complications
should be kept within improved health care facilities as a way of
addressing the maternal rate.

And Eastern province Minister Malozo Sichone commended the Ministers
spouses for sponsoring the construction of the Mothers’ and Relatives
shelters saying it will go a long way in mitigating hardships that
mothers were facing to access quality care as they wait to deliver.

He noted that government has intensified the construction of health
facilities across the province aimed at improving the delivery of
health services.

He cited some of the projects being undertaken in the province as the
construction of Lundazi, Nyimba and Nyanje hospitals at a cost of
K8.7 Million, K9.2 million and K70,000 respectively.

Mr Sichone also noted that government intends to commence the
construction of Chipata district hospital phase one at a cost of
K2.6 Million.

He stated that this will go a long way in reducing congestion at
Chipata General Hospital and increasing access to quality health care
services.

The Provincial Minister also mentioned that government is implementing
various projects in other sectors such as roads, water and sanitation,
education and agriculture.

Meanwhile, Chipata General Hospital superintendent Daniel Makawa said
the rehabilitation of the mothers’ and relatives shelters and the
kitchen has contributed to improved maternal outcomes as attendance
has doubled.

Dr. Makawa noted that of the 3,088 deliveries conducted last year, 450
benefitted, 43 of whom were caesarean cases.

Meanwhile, expectant mothers have commended the Ministers spouses for
the gesture to rehabilitate the structures.

 Representing the expectant mothers, Helen Mbewe said the women  who come from

various parts of the province do not have to look for accommodation while waiting

to deliver at the health facility.