…as Chiinda questions usage of CDF in Munali constituency
By Francis Chipalo
Members of the community in Chelstone and surrounding areas have called on the Ministry of Health (MOH) to quickly interven on the continued lack of operations of the X-ray department at Chelstone Zonal Hospital.
And local community leader Chrispin Chiinda has questioned the current leadership on their priorities on matters of community concern.
The X-ray department at the health facility which also houses the ultrasound scan has not been operating for four years now due to a reported breakdown.
Chelstone attends to patients from Mtendere, Chainda, Avondale, Kalikiliki, Obama and surrounding areas, making it one of the busiest public health institutions in Munali constituency as a Zonal Hospital.
Speaking in a Vox – Pop, Monday morning, the public expressed concern on the non – operationalization of the X-ray department at the facility.
Members of community complained that with the x-ray department down for over four years, they have been subjected to seeking scan and x-ray services from other health facilities.
Edward Sishwashwa disclosed that patients end up paying more money when referred to alternative facilities like the Levy Mwanawansa Hospital.
The affected Chelstone resident called on government to quickly look into the matter.
Meanwhile, Chiinda who recently called on government to intervene on the issues at the facility expressed worry that people’s concerns have fallen on deaf ears.
“Four years down the line the X-ray department hasn’t been operating and this matter has been reported several times. At times you wonder if our leaders really value the lives of our people because this silence speaks volumes”, Chiinda said.
Chiinda wondered why the current leadership cannot utilize increased Constituency Development Fund (CDF) to procure new equipment for not only x-ray, but dental department as well which has worn-out equipment.
With CDF currently at K36.1 million per constituency, Chiinda wondered why part of the resources cannot be channeled towards people’s heath.
He recently appealed to MOH to address the dilapidated infrastructure at the health facility.
The aspiring parliamenterian has since placed health as top priority on his agenda, adding that community development can only be achieved with a health people.
Ends/Pics
