PROMOTING COMMUNITY-HOSPITAL RELATIONSHIPS: A QUARTERLY MEETING REPORT

by: Chikumbutso Gasper Willard - 11|05|2023

caption

At GVH level, representatives from VHC, ADC, HAC, and HSA, along with 5 zonal health coordinators, gathered for a quarterly meeting in T/A Mbenje. The meeting aimed to strengthen the linkage between hospital staff and the community. One hundred twenty-five participants attended, with 47 women and 78 men.

The meeting discussed various issues, such as doctors refusing to attend to patients at night, patients mistaking every hospital staff as a doctor, villages no longer allowing patients to visit witchdoctors, and patients reacting badly to treatment. The participants also discussed the harsh attitude of doctors and guards towards patients, pregnant women delaying hospital visits, and fake letters from Group Village heads claiming unmarried pregnant women.

Despite these issues, the participants praised Chipo, a medical assistant at Sorghin, for his good work. They also identified gaps such as hospital staff not returning forms after treatment, villagers sending patients to the hospital without letters, and shortages of referral forms.

The meeting agreed on a way forward, which included chiefs holding meetings to educate the community on the importance of referring patients to the hospital. Pastors, youth leaders, and natural leaders also agreed to spread the message.

In conclusion, the quarterly meeting aimed to promote a healthy relationship between the community and the hospital. The meeting identified gaps and agreed on a way forward to improve healthcare delivery in the area. The commitment shown by participants to spread the message is a positive sign of progress.