Dispensary Kasemeni (second phase)

Kasemeni dispensary

A dispensary is a regional facility for basic medical care, including care during and around childbirth. This care is provided by a Clinical Officer, similar to a nurse specialist, and a nurse practitioner. It also includes a simple pharmacy. In this project, we work closely with the local community and the regional government. The government covers the costs of staff, medicines and housing.

We were able to realise this facility in Kasemeni by mid-2022. Since then, no woman has died in childbirth and malaria and typhus are no longer fatal. An average of 120 patients visit the care post daily.

The community has arranged the grounds nicely with a flower and vegetable garden and trees have been planted. Around the grounds is a masonry fence 2 metres high to protect from wild animals. A parking facility has also been created, increasing the safety and accessibility of the care post.

Further plans

Phase 2 will start after the Ministry of Health appoints additional staff and provides accommodation for the staff.

Part of the plan will then include at least:
– construction of laboratory facilities to provide some 17 simple medical tests
(patients currently now have to walk for a day to the hospital in Lungalunga);
– strengthening of birthfacilities;
– construction of a storage room for materials and medicines.

Dispensary put into use (July 2022)

The dispensary is finished, approved by the regional government. The furniture and medical equipment have also arrived and been installed. The ministry supplied the medicines. A board has been set up in which traditional midwives and community health care volunteers have also been given a place. The board supervises the dispensary and ensures that the interests of the various villages and tribes in this community are taken into account. The members of the Board of Management have received extensive training.

But the most important thing is that the provision of care has started.

Our plans for a delivery facility

The next phase of the project involves the construction of a separate facility in which women from the area can give birth safely. Two delivery rooms, a rest room, kitchenette and sanitary facilities are planned.

Investment needed