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Kumpalume visits RBF maternal programme in Mchinji

 

Minister of Health Peter Kumpalume says his ministry has devised strategies to strengthen and improve primary healthcare at health centres to reduce congestion at central and district hospitals.

He made the remarks after visiting facilities at Mikundi and Nkhwazi health centres in Mchinji on Friday under the Result Based Finance (RBF) Maternal programme.

Wants congestion reduced: Kumpalume

“My strategy for improving the health sector revolves around strengthening primary healthcare because if we do so, we will reduce congestion in district and central hospitals because most diseases will be dealt with at health centres and not referred. Let us strengthen prevention measures among communities so that many people don’t feel ill and need curative services,” Kumpalume said.

He also hailed the RBF programme for reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in Mchinji and other districts, saying the government is committed to ending preventable maternal deaths.

Result Based Financing for Maternal and Neonatal Health (RBF4MNH) Initiative aims at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and morbidity by providing pregnant women with cash to enable them access care at participating facilities and staying in waiting homes for safe delivery.

The minister also commended the programme for improving infrastructure at health centres.

RBF deputy country director Reagan Kaluluma said he was satisfied with the progress of the initiative in the district so far.

RBF4MNH began in April 2013 in four districts of Dedza, Mchinji, Ntcheu and Balaka with five participating health facilities in Mchinji. n

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