Kasungu healthcare workers’ shortage hits 60%

The Parliamentary Committee on Health has expressed concern over the high vacancy rates in the country’s hospitals, saying the situation compromises the quality of health care services.

   Committee vice-chairperson Eurita Ntiza Valeta expressed shock to learn that Kasungu District has a 60 percent vacancy rate with only 40 percent of the required health personnel available in the district’s 35 health facilities.

In an interview after the committee inspected Gogode Dispensary in Kasungu Central Constituency on Tuesday, she said the shortage of staff is in contrast with government’s policy to provide quality healthcare services.

The legislators also visited Gogode Health Centre to appreciate services the facility offers.

“There is critical shortage of staff here as there is one medical assistant and one nurse against a population of over 24 000. This is too much for the two officers,” said Valeta.

She also expressed concern over lack of coordination among health facilities which she said is leading to some drugs expiring in pharmacies yet so many hospitals lack medicine.

Kasungu health and social services director Emmanuel Golombe told the committee that shortage of staff in the district is a huge problem that needs urgent attention.

“We only have 40 percent of the work force required and the problem is worse in primary health facilities,” he said.