K15 million for Mendi hospital

HEALTH Minister Dr Lino Tom has presented a K15 million cheque to the Southern Highlands Health Authority (SHPHA) for the redevelopment of Mendi Provincial Hospital last week.
The health authority signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Department of Health to guide the use of the K15 million funding for the implementation of Mendi Provincial Hospital redevelopment project. The SHP health authority’s chief executive officer, Dr Joseph Birisi, while thanking Dr Tom, said it was a timely presentation to the hospital and province.
“The money will be used to deliver services to the people of SHP,” Dr Birisi said.
He said the hospital would be expected to provide specialist clinical services as a fully fetched level five facility under National Health Service Standards. “The district hospitals will provide level four clinical services,” he said.
“We will make sure Ialibu hospital will meet the level four district hospital standards.”
He said a specialist surgeon had been recruited for Ialibu Hospital and would soon resume duties.
He said there was more to be done to build capacity in terms of human resources, range of clinical services, medical equipment, and reliable medical supplies system and health infrastructure.
“The challenges are overwhelming, but everyone needs to do his or her part to contribute meaningfully towards achieving the desired health goals,” he said.
Dr Tom said in order for the health authority’s management to get a provincial hospital, the ball was in their court.
“In terms of pushing for funding, I will do my part, but in terms of the ground work and everything else, the SHPHA must use the K15 million according to your plans,” he said.
He told the SHPHA to put all the papers together and have them submitted for the project to start.
He also encouraged everyone to use the existing systems and plans to deliver health services.