Derick Tsimba
Government through the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) is in the process of establishing 1 600 health facility posts across the country in a move that will bring health services closer to patients.
MoHCC Director Policy and Planning, Mr Stephen Banda said the establishment of these facilities was a result of the Primary Health Care initiative which is the foundation of Universal Health Coverage.
“The Primary Health Care initiative is a concept in line with Primary Health Care where services are going to be brought closer to the people. The concept was approved by Cabinet last year and the Ministry is working with treasury to ensure the construction of the community health facilities across the country,” said Mr Banda.
A pilot construction has already begun in Mashonaland Central under a 100 day plan. After completion the idea shall be spread to other parts of the country.
“Construction of pilot centres has begun with four village health posts in Mashonaland Central under the 100-day plan. As soon as these are complete, we will test operations then spread the idea to the other provinces,” said Mr Banda.
MoHCC Director Policy and Planning also said that the village health posts would be run by Primary Care Nurses and should ease the burden on the patients seeking treatment.
“We appreciate this move because it will make health care available and accessible at community level. Patients will not have to walk for long distances to get to the nearest health facility.
“A number of services shall be offered by the community facilities such as Out Patient Department consultations, follow ups and refill of stable chronic disease patients, uncomplicated malaria diagnosis and treatment, EPI vaccinations, health promotion activities in local areas as well as diagnosis of pregnancy and referring pregnant women for booking at rural/ urban health centres,” said Mr Banda.
The Ministry is eagerly working towards completion of the pilot facilities so that construction operations across the country can begin, Harare Post has learnt.
