Govt notes absence of specialized healthcare

Government has noted the absence of specialized healthcare in most parts of the country especially in remote areas where access to health is a challenge due to long distances patients have to cover to reach health facilities.

Ministry of Defence acting Permanent Secretary Ranford Simumbwe says it is for this reason that the American International Health Alliance in partnership with Zambia’s Ministry of Defence have launched the telemedicine project aimed at improving access to health knowledge by using online resources.

Mr. Simumbwe who is also Director Human Resource at the Ministry of Defence says the there is urgent need for health personnel to continue seeking and acquiring knowledge in line with changing trends in disease patterns.

He says the telemedicine project is the first of its kind in the SADC region describing it as a landmark achievement.

Mr. Simumbwe has noted that the telemedicine project will tremendously benefit the patients in terms of specialist care and cost reduction.

And United States of America Defence forces representative, Christopher Rose says the telemedicine program will serve as a catalyst for increasing equity of access to quality, specialized treatment services and care for the people living with HIV and other infectious diseases.

And Director for Medication services at Maina Soko Military Hopistal Brigadier General Frank Sinyangwe says the launch of the telemedicine project is not only timely especially with the rise in non-communicable diseases.