Benguela: At least 161 doctors have been trained in various specialties at the Benguela General Hospital since 2011 to meet the demand of users in various units in the province, said the provincial director of Health, António Cabinda. According to Angola Press News Agency, these trained specialists include 43 pediatricians, 22 internists, 28 gynecologists and obstetricians, 10 ophthalmologists, 12 general surgeons, and the same number of maxillofacial surgeons. Additionally, there are five orthopedists, three anesthesiologists, two urologists, and 25 family doctors supporting the primary care network. António Cabinda, speaking during a radio program promoted by the Provincial Government of Benguela, explained that 80% of these doctors work at the HGB while the rest serve in other units in the province. He noted that the province of Benguela had 5,466 employees in the health sector until 2017, a number that increased to 8,715 due to various public competitions held in the country. The director highlighted t hat the province has 261 doctors, 5,429 nurses, 986 diagnostic and therapeutic technicians, 861 administrative staff, and 803 hospital support professionals. However, these numbers are still unsatisfactory considering the population density of Benguela. Cabinda emphasized the need for approximately one thousand more doctors to reinforce the health sector in the province, given the current ratio of 0.4 doctors per thousand inhabitants. Regarding nurses, he stated that the goal is closer, with two nurses for every thousand inhabitants. He further elaborated that the Benguela General Hospital is carrying out extensive training actions. Apart from doctors, 453 nurses and 314 diagnostic and therapeutic technicians are currently specializing, as a part of the Ministry of Health's human resources training plan. He also mentioned that other healthcare staff are in Brazil for specialization. These training programs are expected to contribute to the evolution of the health sector, improve the quality of care, and lea d to significant gains in the coming years, as HGB is a teaching unit enhancing its service delivery daily. The director remarked that the hospital unit, which has existed for over 100 years, remains a benchmark in medical specialization and has responded to important challenges regarding complex diseases and surgeries. The Benguela General Hospital has undergone significant structural investment, enhancing its services, equipment, and diagnostic tools, alongside investments in a new oxygen plant and an incinerator.
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