By MAIMBO MWEEMBA
Chingola Member of Parliament Chipoka Mulenga says that there is urgent need to upgrade Musenga health post to a clinic.
Mr Chipoka said that the health post does not operate 24/7 which is a challenge to the residents especially pregnant women in the area.
He also said that Musenga health post is not spacious such that patients and Health givers risk contracting diseases easily.
Mr Chipoka who is also the Minister of Commerce and Trade said that constituency development fund is not enough to address such challenges.
“In cases of emergencies, especially at night, it is difficult for patients to be taken to nearby clinics, as the health post closes at 16:00, pregnant women are also at risk as the health post does not have maternity wing, that is why we need to upgrade this health post as soon as possible,” he said.
Mr Chipoka has since appealed to the corporate world in Chingola to help upgrade the health post so that residents can easily access better health services with referrals were necessary.
He also thanked Standbic bank for showing interest in helping upgrade Musenga health post to a clinic.
Mr Chipoka also encouraged the three health workers volunteering at the health post to keep up the good work and wait patiently as Government will prioritise those volunteering to be recruited first.
And Musenga Health Post Nurse incharge Catherine Matesu said that they have a challenge on accessing ambulances.
Ms Matesu said that most expectant mothers deliver at the health post with few maternity equipment, which is not very safe.
She also said that there is need to have security at the health post as the equipment risk being stolen.
And Musenga ward Councilor Aaron Mbalama said that once the health post is upgraded the residents will be able to access better health services.
Musenga health post is accessed residents from Musenga, part of Bupalo, and Luano wards, and has a catchment of about 40,000 residents.
