By Linda Kwanjana
In line with Sustainable Development Goal 3, regarding “Good Health and Well-being”,
Minister of Health Madalitso Chidumu Baloyi on Tuesday announced Government plans of upgrading Khonbedza Health Centre into fully fledged Hospital.
The Minister made the announcement in Parliament during the question and answer time. In the question Member of Parliament for Salima Central West Enock Phale in which he wanted to find out from the Minister Minister of Health and Sanitation to consider opening the newly constructed maternity theatre at Khombedza Health Centre, which was built with support from the IMPATH project.
The Minister said Khombedza Health Centre, with a catchment population of 69,389 and located approximately 30 Kilometres from Salima District Hospital, has a theatre building
constructed under the IMPATH Project.
The Minister said her Ministry recognises the critical role this facility could play in improving access to maternal and
emergency obstetric services for women who currently travel long distances to the District Hospital. He said the theatre has not yet been operationalised due to the absence of key supporting infrastructure and services required for safe surgical operations.
She said the facility does not have a functional laundry, block for the cleaning sterilization of theatre garments and linen. She said the facility needs have a fully equipped laboratory to conduct the minimum essential tests prior to surgical procedures which is currently yet in place.
“Mr. Speaker, recognising these gaps, My Ministry, has already earmarked Khombedza Health Centre for uparading into a Community Hospital. The project has been included in the integrated Capital
Investment Plan and benefit from and hospital rehabilitation and expansion works in the upcoming fiscal year,” she said.
These works will include construction of the proposed required theatre-support structures as well as
additional staff houses to accommodate clinical
personnel who will operate the facility.
She said the Ministry remains committed to ensuring that Khonbedza is futly upgraded and operationalised so that the people of Salima Central West can access comprehensive maternal and emergency services closer to their homes, in line with goals of improving equity and reducing delays in accessing care.
