PS Namarika says proper documentation key to measure RBF4MNH initiative
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health (MoH) Dr. Dan Namarika says proper documentation of Data is a key factor that can greatly assist in measuring the performance of various government hospitals involved in the Result Based Financing for Maternal and Neo-netal (RBF4MNH) initiative and even the rest.
According to Namarika, accurate data informs the practice of the health sector.
“You will agree with me that accurate data is crucial in Health care as it will inform our practice. There is a saying that goes like ‘anything not documented should be considered not done. It is therefore for this reason that I call upon all health workers to document data for interventions that have been implemented,” said Namarika.
He gave an example of a well documented 2015-2016 Demographic and Health Survey that revealed that only 42% of Women aged 15-49 received a postnatal check within two days of delivery while half did not have a postnatal check.
“Such information asisted us to put an extra gear in encouraging our mothers the need for postnatal care,” he said.
He therefore commended the RBF4MNH initiative which he says is helping in coaxing pregnant Mothers to deliver at hospital.
“We have no excuse for not conducting postnatal checks in facilities because the cash transfers that pregnant Woman get upon delivery ensures that they are with us for 48 hours,” said Namarika.
Meanwhile, Namarika says he is pleased with the rewards that the health sector receive through the Result Based Financing for Martenal and Newborn Health Initiative.
The RBF4MNH was introduced with the purpose of contributing to the reduction of maternal and newborn indicators which have been poor for some time.
“We should all strive to work towards attaining the much needed reduction in morality inorder to improve the health of newborns. This is in line with our Health Sector Strategic Plan as well as the Sustainable Development Goals where we want to leave no one behind,” said Namarika.
Meanwhile, the 15th Rewards for RBF4MNH are expected to be held soon where outstanding health centres receive cash prizes and certificates.
The RBF4MNH is on a pilot phase and is being carried out in four districts namely Balaka, Mchinji, Ntcheu and Dedza.
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Results based is the move in the world nowadays. Let every other specialists in their areas dwell into such a practice. Documentation as well is the mother to everything done in this era we are living now. And, In deed I do agree with the PS that, undocumented event cant be claimed to have been happened. Where is the evidence? Lets adhere and let the RBF4MNH initiative prevail to showcase the significance of evidence and documentation.