The launch of the National Strategic Plan 2024-2026 by the Ministry of Health & Medical Services comes at a crucial time for the National Referral Hospital. Dr George Malefoasi, representing the National Referral Hospital (NRH), used the occasion to draw attention to several significant aspects of the new TB Hospital wing.
This facility is set to become a key centre for inpatient care, screening and diagnosis, with a particular emphasis on the management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis cases.
The centre will support capacity building for the national program and include a TB medical lab and X-ray facility. It will assist ambulatory care, DOTs integration, and national TB registry functions.
Addressing Growing TB Challenges:
The rising number of tuberculosis cases and the severity of its infectivity were underscored by Dr Howard Sorbel, WHO WR, and Dr Anita Victor of World Vision. Further advocacy from Dr Nemia Bainivalu, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Health & Medical Services, emphasised the need for enhanced capacity.
The new TB centre will serve as a hub for developing expertise in critical patient care, conducting research, and treating those with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.
The facility will be able to accommodate approximately 30 beds for patients requiring extended care, along with nine isolation beds dedicated to acute, newly diagnosed, and multidrug-resistant cases.
TB managers at the National Referral Hospital have welcomed the new strategy, which introduces updated drug regimens and a slightly reduced treatment period.
This is intended to lessen the average length of hospital stay, which currently stands at 40 days—the longest duration for any patient group at the hospital.
As highlighted by Dr Henry Kako, Director of the National TB Prevention Program, tuberculosis is fundamentally a community issue.
He stressed that a multisectoral approach is necessary, involving the active participation of individuals, families, and the wider community, which is a central focus of the National Strategic Plan.
Facility Completion and Future use:
Thanks to the generous donation from a local business Lee family, the completion of the new TB hospital wing is anticipated by June this year. The facility will be brought into use as soon as it is deemed safe and fully equipped, allowing for the transfer and accommodation of patients in a modern, purpose-built environment.
– MHMS
