Minister of Health, Elijah Muchima, has directed all Level one and Level two hospitals in the country to operationalise their communication plans without delay.
Dr Muchima said clear communication is important as it builds trust, improves client satisfaction and strengthens accountability.
He said this in a speech read on his behalf by Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi during the launch of the Generic Service Delivery Charters for Level One and Level Two Hospitals, Statutory Board Charters, the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and the Communication and Advocacy Strategy for Health Facility Charters in Lusaka.
Dr Muchima stressed that transparency in the health sector can only be achieved if the public is fully informed about the available services, hence the importance of the launched Communication and Advocacy Strategy.
The minister noted that the launched Service Delivery Charters represent a formal social contract between health institutions and the public, outlining expectations and requirements for quality service delivery.
He indicated that the launched tools mark a significant milestone in the county’s national efforts to strengthen performance, accountability and transparency in health service delivery.
“The new dawn government, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema places strong emphasis on delivering quality, equitable and people driven health services. This commitment is clearly outlined in the UPND Manifesto on health and further aligns with vision 2030, the National Health Strategic Plan and the global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 3 on Good Health and well-Being,” he added.
Dr Muchima further urged all Provincial Health Directors and hospital management teams to actively utilise the Comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and ensure regular reporting and dissemination of performance results.
And speaking earlier at the same function, Presidential Delivery Unit Acting Delivery Manager for Enhanced Public Services, Chitambeya Mukwangole expressed the unit’s readiness to support the Ministry of Health in providing full consistent and accountable implementation of the charters.
Ms Mukwangole has encouraged the public to use the charters to articulate their rights and provide feedback in order to promote a culture of accountability and transparency in the health sector.
Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary for Management Development Division under Cabinet Office, Alfred Sakwiya called for public display of the charters in health facilities, adding that they must be understood by health workers and explained to the general public.
Mr Sakwiya pledged Cabinet Office’s continued oversight and technical guidance to ensure that the implementation of the charters contributes to the broader national public service reforms agenda.
Meanwhile, Clinton Health Access Initiative Zambia Country Director, Hilda Shakwelele has also committed to support the roll out institutionalisation and continuous improvement of the charters across provinces and facilities.
