By Andrew Phiri

Balaka, August 16, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda on Thursday officially opened a newly constructed male and female ward at Balaka District Hospital, courtesy of health sector reform strategic plan that government is rolling out across the country.

The opening of the ward with male and female ward sections which is among the MK1.2 billion health projects being implemented in Balaka district will help to improve the delivery of high quality health services by reducing pressure that the hospital experienced when accommodating patients.

Speaking after touring several departments before opening the structure, Chiponda said she was impressed with the commendable work that the hospital is doing.

She challenged health workers at the facility that the government is committed to support the health sector to fulfill universal health coverage.

“This is what we are encouraging hospitals in this country that when they receive funding, they should use it prudently by addressing all the existing shortfalls.

“You can see that the way patients are being taken care of here makes life easier and also the oxygen cylinders that have been already installed in this facility will help patients to receive high quality standard treatment,” she said.

Chiponda, however, urged medical staff at the facility that apart from providing good quality medical treatment, they should also improve on provision of meals and observing effective hygiene among patients, saying this would help to speed up their recovery.

District Commissioner for Balaka, Tamanya Harawa commended the minister and the contractor for their commitment to finish and inaugurate the facility at the right time, adding that the monitoring and supervision from government is vital to promote transparency and accountability on local public projects.

“The participation of all necessary stakeholders at council level has played an important role to finish this project, the compromise on selection of contractors is also an issue because as council, you may wish to have good work but if you have unprofessional contractors, likely you also have substandard outcomes,” he added.

Apart from inaugurating the male/female ward at Balaka District Hospital, Chiponda also visited the MK700 million maternity ward that Balaka District Council is constructing at Chiyendausiku Health Centre.