By Tracy Liverpool
Region Ten’s health sector has received a significant boost with an allocation of 3.5 billion dollars from Budget 2024, aimed at enhancing service delivery.
According to Regional Health Officer Dr. Gregory Harris, this allocation will primarily focus on strengthening both primary and secondary health care services across Region Ten.
Dr. Harris emphasized that this investment will facilitate the enhancement of point-of-care testing at the primary health care level, eliminating the need for residents to travel to hospitals for services such as laboratory tests.
By improving access to basic health care services within communities, specialized services can be efficiently provided at the Linden Hospital Complex.
Furthermore, Dr. Harris highlighted the importance of capacity building and training programs to improve human resources within the region’s health sector.
Additionally, substantial funds will be allocated for the procurement of medical equipment, including the implementation of digital X-ray services at the Wismar Hospital and Kwakwani.
Upgrades to laboratory services in Kwakwani are also planned to address the public health needs of the community effectively.
Budget 2024 will also support the expansion of the telemedicine program in several remote areas, including 47 and 58 miles, Malali, Wairuni, Muritaro, and Hururi.
This initiative aims to increase access to health care services for residents in these underserved communities.
In addition to the health budgetary allocation, Dr. Harris mentioned an additional allocation of over 500 million dollars from the central government to support infrastructural upgrades.
These upgrades include the rehabilitation and construction of accommodation facilities for health care workers in Linden and riverine areas, ensuring their welfare and improving their capacity to serve the community.
The allocation of 3.5 billion dollars for the health sector in Region Ten reflects the government’s commitment to providing quality health care services and improving the overall well-being of residents in the region.