GOVERNMENT says the upgrading of Chilenje and Matero clinics to level-one hospitals has reduced referrals to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) from 13,604 in 2016 to 2,900 in the first quarter of 2017.
Minister of Health Chitalu Chilufya said the reduction in referrals has reduced congestion at UTH, and enhanced health care services.
Dr Chilufya was speaking yesterday at the handover ceremony of a modernised mother’s shelter at the Women and New Born Hospital by Trade Kings Foundation.
“This facility is the last resort for referrals in maternal and child health; it is a centre of excellence for training and service provision. This year, we will expand the number of graduates to deal with mother and child health,” Dr Chilufya said.
And Trade Kings Foundation general manager Lux Supramaniam said the company has invested over K350,000 in modernising the facility.
Mr Supramaniam said the renovation of the shelter will reduce alarming statistics of infant deaths resulting from cross-infections between mothers and children.
“Good health is a right for everyone, and as a business, we are fully aware of how important it is to keep a healthy nation. The vision of the foundation is to see a healthy Zambia. We will also contribute to public education initiatives on healthy living,” Mr Supramaniam said.
He said as corporate social responsibility, the company engages with its customers beyond marginal products and services.
Mr Supramaniam said the company will for the next one year be contributing cleaning supplies for the maintenance of the facility.
That is a whopping 78% reduction in referrals!! That is good progress and development. With Levy on the east side of Lusaka, government needs to invest heavily in equipment and personnel. Very good development.