ZAMBIA HEALTH SECTOR CAUGHT OFF-GUARD

Transparency International Zambia has demanded for accountability in the health sector, in addition to the relevant ministry ensuring that governance enhances the respective responsibility.

The ministry of health has also been challenged to provide a framework of community participation, which again includes accountability mechanisms aimed at increasing flow of information.

This is according to a statement released by TIZ Executive Director, Goodwell Lungu, in which he also says the disbursement of public funds must be transparent.

And TIZ has noted that a weakened local oversight structures at district and health facility level have reduced accountability of health facilities to communities and have diminished public participation and community voice in health service delivery decision making processes

The watchdog group has also cited lack of downward information flow on approved plans, budgets and actual financial disbursements; weak financial management, and non adherence to approved plans and budgets as aspects impacting negatively on the delivery of effective health services

Mr Lungu has added that ineffective drug management monitoring mechanisms at district level has led to poor adherence to prescribed drug management procedures

Inadequate health staff.

He has elaborated that the existing adverse factors have contributed to loss of confidence in public health care systems by the users.

Mr Lungu’s observation come in the backdrop of  TIZ’s Transparency and Integrity in Service Delivery in Africa project survey effected in eight African countries namely; Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda and Zambia.

The survey focused on the Education, Health and Water sectors.