Zambia: The Zambia Ministry of Health is taking the necessary steps to improve peri-operative care. They claimed that this is a part of broader efforts to strengthen the health system of the country.
The Ministry and improve health outcomes of citizens of the nation significantly. The Health Permanent Secretary for Technical Services Kennedy Lishimpi made this announcement.
He was at the time officiating at the National Surgical, Obstetric and Anesthesia Plan (NSOAP) revision stakeholders meeting. The Permanent Secreatry stated that the Ministry of Health stands ready to work with all stakeholders.
They want to make sure that the policy development process is completed successfully. The event was hosted for the success of the Healthcare fraternity of the nation.
Dr. Lishimpi said the NSOAP revision meeting is a reflection of government’s continued dedication to improving health outcomes in Zambia. At the same time, it also serves as an opportunity to chart the way forward for an inclusive and effective peri operative care strategy.
According to Lishimpi, the revision of the NSOAP has been delayed due to a combination of challenges. The issues include the global covid – 19 pandemic, which stretched Zambia’s health systems to the limit. After the global crisis, the Zambia Ministry of Health was forced to redirect resources.
Dr Lishimpi added that the change of government and subsequent need to realign priorities within the National Health Strategic Plan (NHSP) 2021 – 2026 also played a role in this delay.
He however stated that this pause has allowed the Ministry of Health to reassess priorities and ensure the new strategy is firmly aligned with broader health goals. And that it is imperative for efforts to be expanded by introducing a new, more inclusive framework, which will be referred to to as the Peri-Operative Strategy.
Dr. Lishimpi revealed that this strategic shift reflects the ministry’s commitment to ensuring that surgical obstetric and anaesthesia services are accessible at all levels of care from district hospitals to primary Healthcare facilities.
He said this approach guarantees that the full spectrum of service delivery, encompassing prevention, health promotion, treatment, rehabilitation and palliative care is addressed.
He further revealed that the new peri – operative strategy will have two phases that span a total of seven years, from 2024 – 2031 and the first two years of the strategy will focus on initial implementation in Kafue, Mumbwa and Chongwe and will align with the National Health Strategic Plan 2021 – 2026.
Speaking earlier Orthopaedic Surgeon consultant Emmanuel Makasa commended the government for its continued efforts in supporting the works of surgeons in the country.
Dr. Makasa said all surgeons are determined to continue rendering the needed services to those in need help in hospitals. He said the (NSOAP) revision meeting is very important in strengthening the service delivery of surgeons.