Hospital renovations impress minister

-Health Deputy Minister Christopher Mulenga is impressed with ongoing renovation works and expansion of Livingstone General Hospital that is aimed at upgrading the facility into a University Teaching Hospital.

And Mr Mulenga has disclosed that government has released some funds for the upgrading of Ndola Central Hospital and Kitwe Central Hospital into University Teaching Hospitals in line with the PF manifesto that intend to establish 10 teaching hospitals across the country.

Addressing Livingstone General Hospital Management staff and officers from the Livingstone District Medical Office after touring the hospital today, Mr Mulenga said President Michael Sata has directed the upgrading of hospitals in order to decongest UTH in Lusaka.

He also disclosed that government plans to demolish the Filter Hospital at UTH in order to pave way for the construction of a new building in readiness for the upgrading of the facility into an international hospital.

Mr Mulenga who is also PF Chinsali Member of Parliament added that the upgrading of UTH will reduce on the cost of evacuation of patients for specialized treatment abroad.

He said the upgrading of these facilities is not just in name but also in terms of human resource and health services that will be offered.

Earlier, Outgoing Southern Province Medical Officer, Lutangu Alisheke said government started the upgrading of Mazabuka, Choma and Maamba District Hospitals into General Hospitals following the elevation of Livingstone General Hospital into a teaching hospital.

Dr Alisheke however explained that Maamba initially was operating as a General Hospital before it was downgraded due to falling in standards.

And Speaking at the same meeting, Livingstone General Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent Namani Monze said rehabilitation works at the hospital are progressing well.

Dr Monze praised government for releasing funds on time saying all civil works will be completed on scheduled ahead of the forth coming United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) slated for August this year.