Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Health Minister Dr. Joseph Kasonde says access to quality health services by all Zambians has remained the cornerstone of the Patriotic Front Government’s health policy.
Dr. Kasonde says government has continued to increase availability of health frontline staff, health infrastructure, drugs, equipment and other medical supplies.
Speaking in Lusaka today during the International Nurses Day commemoration under the theme “Nurses a force for change, improving health systems resilience”, Dr. Kasonde says in order to mitigate the shortage of skilled health personnel, Government has been rehabilitating and constructing training institutions.
He says resilient health systems are essential for the provision of Universal Health Coverage and can provide a prompt response to outbreaks of diseases.
Dr. Kasonde paid glowing tribute to the national nurses’ organizations such as the Zambia Union of Nurses Organization (ZUNO) for the efforts and contribution towards the attainment of health related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He Said This In A Speech Read For Him By Ministry Of Health Permanent Secretary Dr. Davy Chikamata.
Speaking at the same event, ZUNO President Liseli Sitali has called for the completion of on-going review of the staff establishment structure at the ministry of Health.
Mr. Sitali says government should also complete the normalization of the employment process for the nurses and mid-wives that were dismissed in 2013.
Mr. Sitali notes that Zambia has made significant progress on the health related SDGs towards which nurses and midwives have contributed their efforts directly.