By judgement Katika
Deputy minister of Health Enock Phale had on Wednesday paid an abruptly visit to Dowa District Hospital and participated in a morning handover meeting at 8 am which he says was to appreciate how the hospital operates and their challenges.
Phale said he is of the view that just staying at capital hill waiting for reports from the facilities won’t help improve the sector rather need to have first hand information and have a picture of how the hospitals are working.
“You know sometimes when we are in our offices we think things are fine, but having taken part in this morning handover meeting at Dowa district Hospital, I have learnt that people are still travelling long distances to access health care and this as government is what we want to address.” Phale said.
The deputy minister however advised the health care workers to be focused and embrace team work to serve the citizens better.
Director of Health and Social Services for Dowa District Council Dr. Peter Makoza said the district referral facility is most of the times overwhelmed with patients asking the ministry to expedite upgrading of some health centres to community hospital so as to minimize pressure.
“The visit by the minister is a blessing to us because he has seen for himself, a district hospital we receive patients from across the district and this can better be addressed by upgrading some health centres so that we can provide effect health service.” Said Dr. Makoza.
Government is currently constructing a Community hospital at Mponela to reduce the pressure on Dowa district hospital.