By Patrick Kabwe
ZAMBIA FLYING DOCTOR SERVICES WORRIED WITH CASES OF HYPERTENSION IN CHIEF MAKASA’S CHIEFDOM IN MUNGWI
The Zambia Flying Doctor Service (ZFDS) has expressed concern over a high number of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension in Chief Makasa’s chiefdom in Mungwi District of Northern Province.
Speaking in an interview with ZANIS shortly after conducting a one day outreach program at Makasa Rural Health Centre, Zambia Flying Doctor Service Director, Medical Services, Chisanga Puta also noted with concern that a number of patients living with hypertension are not on treatment while those on treatment are not adhering to medication.
Dr Puta said there is need to enhance public awareness campaigns in the area in order to educate people about the risks and how to prevent hypertension.
She disclosed that the service has since recommended to the Mungwi District Health Office to make followup on some cases.
The ZFDS Director, Medical Services added that the flying doctors also treated a number of respiratory tract infections in Makasa and Nseluka Rural Health Centre.
“Otherwise the turnout was overwhelming. We treated a number of respiratory tract infections at Makasa and Nseluka Rural Health Centres in Mungwi. We also gave adequate education and information to the community on the prevention of these infections,” said Dr Puta.
She expressed happiness that the team managed to attend to over 1000 patients in Makasa and Nseluka areas.
“So in the last five days that we have been in Mungwi, we have managed to attend to over 2000 people, hence achieving our target” Dr. Puta disclosed.
Meanwhile, Catherine Lombe, a resident of Makasa area thanked the Zambia Flying Doctor Service for coming to the aid of people suffering from various illnesses in the area.
Ms Lombe however appealed to the government to consider upgrading Makasa Rural Health Centre.
She said the health facility is catering for a huge catchment area servicing 15,000 people.
“Once this facility is upgraded, there will be better access to essential medical services for our population thereby reducing the need for long distance travel to urban centres,” Ms Lombe said.
And Mpanda Ward Councilor, Wisdom Chileshe noted that the upgrading of the facility can attract more qualified healthcare professionals to the area.
Mr Chileshe has since commended the flying doctors for extending its services to the area.
“Upgrading rural health centres is a crucial step towards improving healthcare access and quality in rural areas. Hence, we are appealing to government to consider upgrading Makasa Rural Health Centre which is catering for over 15,000 people,”
ZANIS
