Govt salutes church support

Govt salutes church support

Luangwa, June 10, 2013, ZANIS . . . . . Minister of Health Joseph

Kasonde has assured the church that government wants to consolidate

the partnership  existing between the two to enhance health delivery.

Dr Kasonde says government intends to increase resources to health institutions

managed by the church in an effort help them bring services closer to the people.

Dr Kasonde was speaking during celebrations to mark 50 years of the establishment of Katondwe

Mission hospital run by the Catholic church in Luangwa district yesterday.

The Minister of Health said government appreciates the role played by the church to supplement and

compliment its efforts in providing better health services to the people.

He said government wants to consolidate the partnership with churches

that are providing health services to the people by increasing

resources to help them offer better care.

Dr Kasonde further noted that government was committed to delivering better

health services to its people and will welcome any support from

cooperating partners such as the church.

Dr. Kasonde thanked the Catholic  church for considering

putting up a hospital in Luangwa district as early as 1963 before Zambia attained independence.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Health has commended Katondwe Mission hospital management and staff

for the good health care given to the 17 members of the opposition UPND  who were involved in a road accident

at Kavalamanja in Luangwa district last week.

And speaking at the same occasion, Katondwe Mission Hospital Medical Officer Dr.

Miraslovia Gora thanked the government for the material and financial

support given to the institution.

Dr. Gora said because of Government’s support the hospital which

started with 25 beds in 1963 has now expanded to 85 beds catering  for female, male and children wards.

She however appealed to the government to consider helping the hospital

with X – ray machines, theatre equipment and also increasing the grant

to enable it offer better services to the community.

Meanwhile, Apostolic Nuncio for Zambia and Malawi, Archbishop Julio Murat thanked the

government for creating an enabling environment for the church to operate in.

Apostolic Nuncio Murat said the church has been able to work freely

because of the support it was receiving and prayed that peace should

continue prevailing in the country.

The 50 years commemoration of Katondwe Mission hospital was also

attended by Home Affairs Minister Edgar Lungu, Lusaka Province

Minister, Freedom Sikazwe and several ruling PF and opposition political party members.