Government has commissioned a refurbished Stroke Unit at the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Adult Hospital, targeted at decentralising specialised stroke care services and improving patient outcomes in the country.
During the same event, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services, Kennedy Lishimpi, who was represented by the Ministry’s Market Lead Monitoring and Evaluation, Clive Gosa, also launched a Client Feedback Initiative that promotes dialogue for improvement of health services.
“Our country has continued to record an increase in stroke cases, particularly among younger people, mainly due to non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, unhealthy lifestyles, and late health-seeking behaviour,” said Dr Lishimpi.
The Permanent Secretary further noted that a responsive and effective complaint handling system is a cornerstone of transparency, professionalism, and accountability in healthcare delivery that provides clients an opportunity to express their concerns and share their experiences.
“Patient feedback should never be viewed as criticism, but rather as an opportunity to learn, improve, and build trust between healthcare providers and the communities we serve,” he said.
UTH Adult Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent, Charles Mbewe, highlighted the Stroke unit’s contribution to improved patient outcomes, reduced mortality rates, and better rehabilitation services for stroke patients.
And, Dr Mbewe also commended the launch of the Client Feedback Initiative, stating that feedback is an important tool for continuous improvement, accountability, and building trust between healthcare providers and the communities in which they operate.
Meanwhile, Director Programme of Training Programme Neurology and Stroke Unit Project, Deana Sylor, noted that Zambia’s Neurology Training Programme is gaining rapid reputation across the region, with doctors received from several countries in the region.
Professor Sylor added that the stroke unit has already contributed significantly to improved patient outcomes, reduced mortality rates, and better rehabilitation services for stroke patients.
Daughter in-law to a stroke survivor, Lucy Mulenga, commended the unit on the specialised care shown to her mother in-law and called on the members of the public to take patients with stroke for treatment.
The Stroke Unit at UTH was established in October 2023, with support from Johns Hopkins University in the United States of America.
