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K500,000 released for east MOH projects
Chipata, August 5, 2014, ZANIS….Government has released K5,500 million for infrastructure development for the health sector in the eastern province.
Eastern province Medical Officer Kennedy Malama says the money will be used towards the construction of district hospitals and staff houses in four districts.
Speaking at a media briefing in Chipata today, Dr. Malama named the districts to benefit from the funds as Lundazi, Chama, Nyimba and Chipata.
He said from the total funds received K 3 million is earmarked for the hospitals while the remaining funds will be used for construction of staff houses.
Dr Malama also noted that the tendering process for Vubwi district hospital has already been done while the construction works of Lundazi district hospital which is in the second phase has reached an advanced.
He added that the province is by the end of this year expected to receive some more funds to complete all the construction projects.
And Dr. Malama has also disclosed that health personal in the province have been put on high alert against any possible outbreaks of the Ebola virus.
The Provincial Medical Officer disclosed that his office has put strict measures on all points of entry to ensure that people coming into the country are properly screened.
The Ebola a viral disease has broken out in West Africa and so far over 880 people have died.
He cited Mwami border, Mfuwe international airport among other border crossing points that have been put on alert to deal with any suspicious cases of the virus.
He added that in other small entry points surveillance has also been heightened and strict basic care nursing and appropriate clothing has also been encouraged.
Meanwhile, Dr Malama has disclosed that over 20,000 males in eastern province were circumcised under the Voluntary Male Circumcision Campaign (VMCC) last year.
He said August has been declared as the VMCC month and that eastern province has been given a target of 3,600 males to be circumcised.
He noted that all district hospitals have been given targets which are expected to be met by the end of the month.
Dr. Malama has since called for concerted efforts from all stakeholders in encouraging male circumcision as it has proved to be key in reducing the HIV prevalence rate.
