By 
President Hakainde Hichilema has announced plans to employ an additional 4,000 health personnel this year to address the health worker-patient ratio challenges across the country.
Speaking during the official opening of the 4th Session of the 13th National Assembly in Lusaka on Friday, President Hichilema emphasized that this initiative was part of the New Dawn Administration’s efforts to enhance staffing levels in health facilities nationwide.
“This move will equip health facilities with the necessary workforce, improving the patient-to-health worker ratio and overall service delivery,” the President stated.
Hichilema reiterated government’s commitment to ensuring quality health services for all citizens.
Despite limited resources, he assured that the administration prioritises areas with the greatest need, which would significantly benefit the nation.
In efforts to reduce maternal mortality, the government had constructed 166 maternal annexes over the past two years, with 123 already completed, he said.
Additionally, the government, he said, was enhancing surveillance, detection and response to public health threats.
The President also announced the start of local manufacturing of essential medicines, including cholera vaccines and antiretrovirals, to stabilize the availability of medical supplies.
This initiative had led to an average stock availability of about 87 percent at health centers and 76 percent at hospitals, exceeding World Health Organization standards, according to him.
To date, approximately 42,000 health center kits and essential medicines have been produced, improving stock availability, Hichilema.
President Hichilema assured that the government would continue to strengthen drug supply and management to ensure consistent availability across health facilities.
He also warned against the theft of medicines, stating, “Madam Speaker, we have strengthened the law. Anyone caught stealing medicine will face severe penalties. Those responsible must understand that drug shortages in hospitals are unacceptable.”
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