By Scoop Reporter
THE Medical for Quality Healthcare in Zambia (MQHZ) in partnership with National Action for Quality Education in Zambia (NAQEZ) will visit more than 500 Primary and Secondary Schools to monitor their readiness for reopening.
MQHZ Director General Quince Mwabu says these random visits will be conducted in all the 10 provinces of Zambia and the nation will be informed about the findings of this exercise, few days before June 1 when pupils in examination classes return to school.
“The two organizations will strictly monitor availability of desks in schools, sanitizers, availability of water, toilets and availability of teachers,” Dr. Mwabu said.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mwabu says MQHZ is concerned with reports that some Zambian patients are not visiting health facilities due to the fear of contracting COVID -19.
He has encouraged all people that have various health conditions to make their scheduled hospital visits to avoid worsening their health conditions.
He says for pregnant mothers and all those with special health conditions, visiting clinics and hospitals is a must even amidst Corona virus as long as they take preventive measures such as wearing face masks, washing of hands and maintaining physical distances.
“We have also received reports that some parents are no longer taking their children for immunization schedules and medical reviews for fear of contracting the virus. Avoiding these programs may have more serious effects to the health of their children and even their own health. Patients that have appointments must also attend to their appointments without hesitation.
“MQHZ would like to advise the Ministry of Health to expedite recruitment of paramedics as guided by the President. We need more health workers in order to effectively combat this COVID-19 pandemic. As the Ministry will be recruiting, we appeal that those health workers who have been volunteering for years are given priority. Their sacrifice must be rewarded now,” he said.
