The Ministry of Health has told the public that medicines and other health supplies are now available again at CHAL facilities. People who had stopped going to CHAL clinics because of shortages are being encouraged to go back.
According to Ministry of Health Public Relations Officer Mateboho Mosebekoa, the good news follows the signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding between the government and CHAL.
She said this MoU does not have an end date. Its goal is to strengthen health services at all CHAL facilities across the country.
New MoU guarantees supply to CHAL facilities
Under the agreement, the government will supply all CHAL health facilities with medicines and other essential health commodities.
Equal treatment at government and CHAL facilities
“The medicines and health commodities that are available at government hospitals and clinics will also be available at CHAL hospitals and health centres, without discrimination,” Mosebekoa explained.
This means patients will get the same treatment and same drugs whether they go to a public facility or a CHAL facility.
CHAL is one of Lesotho’s oldest health partners. It was founded in 1863 and works with six member churches. Today CHAL runs 8 hospitals and 70 health centres. CHAL provides about one-third of all healthcare services in Lesotho, especially in remote areas.
Public urged to return to CHAL clinics
For the past months, some CHAL facilities had problems with shortages of medicines. Because of that, some patients chose to stop going there and instead travel to government facilities.
With the new MoU in place, the Ministry says those problems will be addressed. The regular supply of drugs will help CHAL facilities serve patients better and reduce pressure on government hospitals.
Mosebekoa urged members of the public to return to their nearest CHAL clinic or hospital for treatment, check-ups, and to collect medication.
Bohlokoa
- New MoU: Signed with no end date
- Government commitment: Full supply of medicines to all CHAL facilities
- CHAL network: 8 hospitals and 70 health centres
- Healthcare share: Approximately one-third of all services in Lesotho
- Founded: 1863, works with six member churches
- Key message: Same medicines and treatment at government and CHAL facilities
“All essential medicines are now being made available. Please come back and access healthcare services.”
— Mateboho Mosebekoa, Ministry of Health Public Relations Officer
The Ministry added that it will continue working closely with CHAL to make sure there are no stock-outs and that communities continue to get quality healthcare.
