The head of state admitted that there are many more units to be built: "There are many more hospital units to be built. We are at a good pace of construction and openings".
According to João Lourenço, in recent times, the government has opened between four and five hospital infrastructures annually, and wants to double this average next year.
In statements to the press, cited by Angop, after the opening of the new Cuanza Norte hospital, the head of state said that the goal of bringing health services closer to the population is being achieved, and, in this way, more hospital units will be built at the three levels (primary, secondary and tertiary).
However, he mentioned that there are still two areas of health that are causing him concern. These are the areas of oncology and the construction of medicine and vaccine factories.
With regard to oncology, the President once again mentioned the construction of the Luanda Oncological Hospital, which is scheduled for completion in 2026, as work is progressing at a good pace. Furthermore, still in this field, the head of State also said that the training of professionals in this specialty should also deserve special attention.
Regarding his second concern, regarding the construction of medicine factories, João Lourenço said that the government intends to invite the private sector to invest in this sector, so that the State minimizes or eliminates the import of medicines, writes Angop.
After cutting the ribbon and unveiling the plaque for the Cuanza Norte General Hospital, which was named 'Mário Pinto de Andrade' and has 200 beds, the President of the Republic visited the service areas of this infrastructure.
Accompanying the First Lady of the Republic, Ana Dias Lourenço, the president obtained clarifications from the contractor and Ministry of Health officials about the operation of the hospital.
It is a tertiary level hospital, which will offer a varied set of services ranging from surgery, imaging, neonatology, emergencies, intensive care, hemodialysis, among others.
The Minister of Health, Sílvia Lutucuta, was another figure present at the inauguration ceremony. Speaking on the occasion, the head of the Health portfolio said that this inauguration "sets a concrete example of the Executive's strong commitment to continuing with the construction of a robust health system".
"The Mário Pinto de Andrade General Hospital is a tertiary level, a national and provincial reference, with 200 beds, it has a welcoming and humanized environment for users, their families and health professionals, with cutting-edge and advanced technology, where medical-surgical services and care can be provided with state-of-the-art equipment to carry out complex exams to be carried out for the first time in this province", she said, adding: "It will also be a center dedicated to research and staff training", starting activity with "a body of 1135 professionals, including doctors, nurses, diagnostic and therapy technicians, general regime, social workers and hospital support technicians".
The general director of the Cuanza Norte provincial hospital, Armando Alberto João, cited by Angop, considered that this is a reference unit and a benefit for the province, as it is level three and has the best equipment.
Remember that João Lourenço is in Cuanza Norte completing a two-day working day, whose agenda, in addition to including the inauguration of this hospital, also includes a meeting with the local government and visits to the water collection infrastructure of the Lucala River and an agricultural fair.
