Africa-Press – Angola. The President of the Republic, João Lourenço, inaugurates today, in Sumbe, the General Hospital of Cuanza-Sul, which will be named after Commander Raúl Díaz Argüelles, in recognition of his contribution to the fight for Angola’s Independence.The inauguration ceremony will be attended by members of the Executive, the provincial government, religious authorities, members of civil society, among other individuals.
The Secretary of the President of the Republic for Institutional Communication and Press Affairs, Luís Fernando, said that the Head of State will work for two days in the province of Cuanza-Sul. Tomorrow, the President of the Republic will meet with the Provincial Government of Cuanza-Sul to learn about what is being done in terms of building infrastructure for economic and social development.
According to Luís Fernando, a comprehensive report on the general state of the province will be presented at this meeting and the various ministers who are part of the presidential delegation will provide clarifications on the issues in their sectors. Tomorrow, João Lourenço will visit the works underway in the city of Sumbe related to the integrated infrastructures of the said location.
The Governor of Cuanza-Sul, Mara Quiosa, said, in an interview with Jornal de Angola, that the main objective of the Provincial Government, with the opening of this new health unit, is to significantly improve access to health care for the population, especially in critical areas, such as pediatrics, gynecology and obstetrics, various surgeries, nephrology and emergency care.
This infrastructure, according to Mara Quiosa, reinforces the Government’s commitment to strengthening the health system, ensuring that the population has quality services, reducing dependence on transfers to other provinces and alleviating the suffering of patients with chronic diseases.
The governor said the hospital will have a very positive social impact by providing more accessible and effective medical care, promoting the well-being of the population.
Economically, he highlighted that the new unit will generate direct and indirect jobs, stimulate the development of small and medium-sized companies associated with the health sector and improve regional productivity, by reducing absences from work caused by illness.
In addition, Mara Quiosa highlighted the impact on reducing travel costs to other medical centers outside the province. Regarding the measures to be implemented, she assured that inclusive policies will be adopted to ensure equitable access to health services, with priority given to the most vulnerable groups, such as children, the elderly and people with disabilities.
Furthermore, he announced that the hospital will be integrated into the National Health System, allowing free care for those who need it most. “Specific awareness-raising programs and partnerships with local organizations will ensure that the entire population is aware of the services available and their rights,” he said.
Mara Quiosa stated that, with this inauguration, an increase in the quality and efficiency of health care is expected, with a reduction in waiting times and a greater capacity to respond to emergencies. The Government also expects improvements in public health indicators, such as a reduction in infant mortality, better treatment of chronic and infectious diseases, and greater user satisfaction.
The Governor believes that, in the medium and long term, the hospital will be a pillar in strengthening the regional health network. For Mara Quiosa, the new Cuanza-Sul General Hospital confirms the personal commitment and priority given by President João Lourenço to the health sector, which, under his leadership, has been strengthened with several tertiary level infrastructures, improving medical services in the country.
Services and specialties
The Governor said the hospital will offer a wide range of medical specialties, including pediatrics, nephrology, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, cardiology, orthopedics and an intensive care unit. The hospital will also have a modern diagnostic center, imaging services, a clinical laboratory and an emergency room, aiming to meet the main health needs of the population.
According to the Governor, the provincial government expects a significant reduction in mortality rates, especially maternal and infant mortality, and better management of chronic diseases such as kidney failure and hypertension. “With a well-equipped hospital and ongoing training of health professionals, a more effective response in the treatment of prevalent diseases in the region is expected, leading to an overall improvement in public health indicators,” she highlighted.
Mara Quiosa sent a message of hope to the population, stating that the opening of the hospital symbolizes a renewed commitment to public health and an important step towards building a healthier and more prosperous province. The population can count on quality services, focused on humanizing care, and on a government that is attentive to the well-being of all.
With a capacity of 200 beds, the Cuanza-Sul General Hospital will be equipped with modern facilities and cutting-edge technology, covering several specialties. Among the services offered are emergency, pediatrics, gynecology, orthopedics and internal medicine, in addition to a well-equipped surgical center.
During his State of the Nation address to the National Assembly, President João Lourenço emphasized health as a fundamental right and a priority for the Government. The opening of this hospital is expected to have a positive impact on public health, contributing to improving the living conditions of the local population.
Capacity and services
The Cuanza-Sul General Hospital is a tertiary-level infrastructure with a capacity for 200 beds. Construction began in December 2021, with financing from LUMINAR FINANCE, and was led by PROMED Internacional, under the supervision of I+A Consulting. The hospital is divided into functional blocks that include administration, inpatient care, outpatient care, medical services and logistics.
Its facilities include an operating room with four high-tech surgical rooms, an intensive care unit with ten beds and the province’s first hemodialysis unit with 12 chairs. The complex also has a maternity ward, neonatology ward, clinical laboratory and an outpatient consultation area with 17 consulting rooms for various medical specialties.
Another highlight is the hospital management system, which will be supported by AIPEX software, ensuring greater efficiency in the management of resources and clinical data. The hospital also adopts an ecological waste management system, based on steam, as an alternative to incineration, contributing to environmental preservation.
Tribute to Commander Raúl Díaz Argüelles
The choice of the name of Commander Raúl Díaz Argüelles reflects the Government’s commitment to honoring national heroes and preserving historical memory. Argüelles, a key figure in the struggle for Angola’s independence, will be remembered for his bravery and also for his commitment to the social well-being and health of the population.
The opening of the hospital represents a step in the government’s strategy to expand access to quality healthcare, especially in more remote areas. The hospital will serve the population of Cuanza-Sul and neighboring provinces, relieving pressure on other health facilities.
Raúl Díaz Argüelles, originally from Cuba, played a crucial role in the fight for Angola’s independence. By naming the hospital in his honor, the Government reaffirms the importance of honoring national heroes and their role in building a better future for the country.
Argüelles died on December 11, 1975, in the town of Hengo, 15 kilometers from the town of Ebo, in Cuanza-Sul.
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