GOVERNMENT has assured that it will help replace a blown roof for classrooms at Luwi Mission Hospital Nursing College in Mwinilunga.Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary in Charge of Technical Services, Kennedy Malama said the ministry is addressing the issue of the blown roof and also engaging Disaster Management and Mitigation Unit (DMMU) on the matter.Dr Malama noted that Luwi mission deserves special support because of the distance from town and the remoteness of the area.ZANIS reports that the PS said this when he toured the mission hospital to appreciate the situation at the health facility.“We commiserate with you over the blown roof and we can tell that this has devastated you. You are trying so hard to run this institution, government is aware that the donations we used to receive from outside the country for the church managed institutions, have significantly reduced over the years,” he said.“Mark my words, the issue of the blown roof is receiving attention. We cannot let the school continue like that, we would want the two classrooms repaired in the shorted possible time,” he assured.Dr Malama further said the ministry will facilitate the process for the nursing college to obtain authority to purchase a bus to ease transport challenges.Meanwhile, Dr Malama said as the ministry secures the authority to recruit staff next, consideration will be made to support Luwi and Mukinge Mission Nursing Schools in terms of tutors.And Luwi Nursing College Principal Tutor, Chrisphine Kamwanga said the institution is looking for support to have the blown off roof replaced.“Through your office PS, the college is seeking authority to purchase the bus to enable smooth transportation of students with the money which is already secured,” Sr Kamwanga said.On November 10, this year, heavy rains blew off roofs for two classrooms, leaving nursing students learning under an improvised tent roof coverage.And Mukinge Mission Hospital Executive Director, Jairos Fumpa also raised the issue of inadequate tutors for the nursing school among other challenges the institution is facing.“Inadequate clinical structures, tutors for our nursing school, inadequate transport, erratic supply of blood and huge Zesco bills are some of the challenges the mission is facing,” he said.This was after Dr Malama toured some selected departments at Mukinge Mission Hospital in Kasempa district last night.
Dr Malama is in the province, to appreciate how health services are being offered and what challenges are being faced as well as learn lessons from the successes scored.- ZANIS