By Noémia Mendes
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – The Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA) will finance the construction and equipping of two hospitals in Niassa province, through an investment estimated at 21.4 million US dollars, expected to benefit around 460,000 people.
The financing agreement was signed last April in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and ratified this Tuesday by the Council of Ministers, according to a statement issued to journalists.
Data from the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) indicate that the funding will enable the construction of two district hospitals: one in Mecanhelas, with a capacity of 150 beds, and another in Ngauma, with 100 beds. The construction is expected to be completed by 2027.
According to the Government statement, once the new hospital units become operational, the number of patients referred outside the districts of Mecanhelas and Ngauma is expected to significantly reduce, from around 9,000 to fewer than 100 cases per year.
The average distance travelled to access secondary healthcare in these districts will also be reduced, from the current 150 to 170 kilometres to just 40 to 60 kilometres. (NM)
