By CHATULA KAMPO –

GOVERNMENT will next month launch the construction of the 650 health posts countrywide, Ministry of Health spokesperson Kamoto Mbewe has said.

Dr Mbewe said Exim Bank of India has cleared the contracts for the construction of the health centres and work will commence next month.

The Zambian Government in July last year signed three contracts for the construction of 650 health posts at a cost of US$55 million.

As part of the procedure, the Ministry of Health, through the Ministry of Finance, had sent the contracts to Exim Bank of India for clearance.

Dr Mbewe said in an interview yesterday said that the Government had received no objection and that the project would be launched next month.

“We are now preparing to launch the project within the month of February this year. Since it is a countrywide project, the Ministry of Health will announce where and when the project will be launched next month,” Dr Mbewe said.

And Copperbelt Minister Mwenya Musenge in an interview said 80 health posts were earmarked for construction in the province.

Mr Musenge said the construction of the health posts would improve access to health services in rural districts where patients walked long distances to receive treatment.

He said Government was committed in ensuring that people had access to health facilities and the provision of good health care services.

The three Indian companies contracted in the construction of the 650 health posts are Juague Overseas Limited, Angelique International and Megha Engineering and Infrastructure Limited.