By JULIUS PHIRI –

GOVERNMENT has released K5.5 million for various health infrastructure projects in Eastern Province, provincial medical officer, Kennedy Malama has said.
Dr Malama said the money released would go towards the construction of district hospitals in Nyimba, Chipata and Lundazi.
Dr Malama said during a Press briefing in Chipata that K3 million would go towards the construction of three district hospitals in the province.
He said part of the K5.5 million would be channeled towards the construction of staff houses for health personnel.
“With regards to health infrastructure development, money is not a problem as the province has received K5.5 million for the construction of district hospitals in three districts in Nyimba, Chipata and Lundazi,” he said.
He also disclosed that the construction of Chama District Hospital was underway.
Dr Malama said the tendering process for the construction of Vubwi District Hospital was also underway.
He said the Government was determined to start and possibly complete all the projects planned for this year on schedule.
On cervical cancer, Dr Malama said more than 15,000 women had been screened in various centres since 2012.
He said out of those screened, more than 1,780 tested positive.
Dr Malama further said more than 30,000 people have been circumcised in the province since the programme of voluntary male circumcision launched in the province.
He said the Ministry of Health headquarters has set a target of 4,880 people to be circumcised in the month of August this year in Eastern Province.