Binga, Plumtree score big on health delivery projects

Robin Muchetu, Senior Reporter

PLUMTREE and Binga districts have made huge strides in health service delivery following the construction and refurbishments of health institutions through interventions from Government and communities, officials have confirmed.

The developments have helped villagers who used to walk long distances to access health services. In Plumtree, the construction of Izimnyama Clinic has brought services closer to a community of about 3 500 people. The clinic offers services that include maternity, expanded programme of immunisation, TB, malaria, family planning, HIV testing and treatment and other services. Acting Provincial Medical Director of Matabeleland South Province Dr Andrew Muza said the financing model from the Government and its partners was greatly improving the health system.

“The Results-Based Financing (RBF) model seeks to link funding and results; we are paid for performing well. There are a number of things we have improved. We have strengthened our health systems with the funds that have come through the Ministry of Health and Healthk and administered by Cordaid. There are positive impacts recorded so far. We have a lot of gains in health infrastructure where we have been able to construct new buildings, revamp waste management areas, repainting and also purchasing equipment to use in health institutions,” he said.

Dr Muza said the additional funding was coming as an incentive to the workers, adding that the strategy was boosting morale in the health personnel. Some centres have also used the funds to hire security services to ensure their safety from vandalism and theft. Dr Muza said one of the biggest impacts of the model was its ability to foster community participation in health needs.

“The fund strengthened collaboration between communities and health workers. We developed health centre committees which comprise community leaders, and health care workers that supervise the activities at the clinics. These improved our relations with the communities as they also have a voice in what is happening. That element of community participation is important,” he said.

He added that there was general improvement in the quality of healthcare

“There is an improved quality component especially in maternal health care. There is follow up on deliveries to see if they are done well and check if set guidelines are followed to acceptable standards. There are community-based organisations that are contracted and they give feedback on the quality of work we do. These changes came following the coming of the RBF model.”

Acting District Medical Officer for Binga Dr Sibonginkosi Ncube said following the introduction of the RBF they were working on renovation of the isolation unit.

“There are renovations being carried out by Cordaid on our isolation centre. They are doing plumbing, electrical fittings, and painting. They have also supplied two water tanks for the project. They are also working on the female ward and the project is over 75 percent complete with a few items that are still pending,” she said.

Dr Ncube said the hospital had also built an incinerator using RBF funds.

“We also have a car park that was built using the same funds. Our waiting mother’s shelter was also painted despite the challenge of baboons that come and scratch the walls. The hospital also has a perimeter fence around it now. We have been using the RBF funds mainly for the procurement of drugs and to pay electricity and water bills for the waiting mothers’ shelter. Our maternity services are free so we use the funds from RBF to secure resources such as cotton wool, sutures and drugs for maternity,” she said.

Dr Ncube said the facility had helped them construct accommodation facilities for health workers.

“Through the RBF funds Siansundu Clinic has built very big staff quarters to house members of staff such as nurses. Looking at staff attrition that is happening, there is a need to have something to attract people so having accommodation, water, and electricity close by has really done us well,” she said. — @NyembeziMu