Lesotho gets M2.5m ICT, medical equipment

Lesotho has received medical and ICT equipment worth US$150.000 (about M2.5 million) from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Pandemic Fund Southern Africa Multicountry Project.

The equipment is expected to strengthening the country’s ability to detect problems early, respond effectively and deliver essential healthcare services.

The equipment includes 138 blood glucose monitoring systems, 227 glucoses, 22 blood pressure machines, 122 stethoscopes, three electrocardiograph machines, four protective goggles, 10 boxes of one-way expiratory disposable mouthpieces and one box of specimen transportation materials, 53 laptops, 20 desktop computer, 35 tablets and 20 modems.

Speaking at the handover ceremony yesterday, WHO Representative Dr Innocent Nuwagira encouraged the Ministry of Health to put the resources into appropriate service promptly.

He also urged the ministry to manage the equipment under established government procedures and plan for their maintenance and replacement when they become old.

“Equipment alone does not build stronger systems. Its value lies in how it is used, maintained and integrated into routine work,” Dr Nuwagira noted.

Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health, ‘Mats’oaneloMonyobi said the ICT equipment would improve the communication, information management and efficient delivery of health programmes while the medical equipment would provide health care workers with tools necessary to improve patient care.