The construction of a modern psychiatric unit at Ndola Central Hospital worth over 14 million Kwacha is taking shape.
Ndola Central Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent Dande Malawo told ZANIS in an interview in Ndola today that the modern psychiatric Unit is being constructed at a total cost of K14, 539, 522.36.
Dr. Malawo said the construction of the modern psychiatric unit is in line with the ministry of health’s thrust of improving medical healthcare for the mentally challenged on the Copperbelt Province.
Dr. Malawo said the psychiatric unit whose construction commenced in August 2014 will be completed in December 2015.
The senior medical officer explained the existing Psychiatric Unit at the hospital which caters for all mentally challenged patients in the province is old as it was built in 1932.
The project which is on foundation stage was awarded to Jearmy Enterprises Limited of Kitwe.
He added that the current psychiatric unit has no ward for mentally sick children as it does not have enough bed spaces.
Dr. Malawo however pointed out that the modern psychiatric Unit will be a two storey building which will consist of an administration block, male and female wards with about 130 bed spaces.
Dr. Malawo added that both acute and sub-acute wards will be included unlike the current unit where those who are in acute conditions are kept together with the patients whose mental condition has improved.
He further said the hospital is also working on increasing the number of staff as it is currently understaffed.
And Dr. Malawo has revealed that government has released K600, 000 for the repairing of the leaking roof on the 7th floor at the hospital.
He explained that the project value is K398,000 and that the contract has been awarded to Chibs Tech Technical Limited of Kitwe whose duration is six weeks.
Thanks. It was high time. Good works and thumbs up to the government of the day.
Ninshi naba fula ba zimandola aba pukuta?
Imwe this could promote mental illness ka!
Bigger Mento Bloko
Way to go. GRZ hospials may also wish to linkup with UK mental health services within the National Health Service (NHS) for research and development in Psychiatry. I know of a lot of experienced Zambian Psychiatrists and mental health nurses (RMN) working in the UK if working conditions were favourable, GRZ and the Zambian people could benefit from. It’s time these most important services are left to professionals and not politicians without professionalism In targeted industries.
Mbuzi yamene ilibe Nzelu ilibe comment?