Leribe ___ The Minister of Health says High Dependency Unit ( HU) is an investment in health system strengthening ensuring Basotho have access to quality health services.

Mr. Selibe Mochoboroane said this at the inauguration of the High Dependency Unit ( HDU) at Motebang Government Hospital, Hlotse in Leribe on Wednesday.

The unit is supported by the United States Embassy via the USAID Rise project implemented by Jhpiego.

Mr. Mochoboroane said the unit stands as a testament to the ministry's collective commitment to building a resilient health system, one that goes beyond addressing COVID 19.

He mentioned that as the pandemic subsided, the High Dependency Unit will remain a cornerstone for the healthcare system, providing critical care to those in need.

Additionally, he said the unit will serve Basotho facing various life threatening conditions such as trauma cases from accidents and injuries, complications from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease and severe infections and patients requiring post surgical monitoring and specialized care.

He indicated that the unit will not only save lives today but build a system that supports all Basotho, those in rural and urban areas.

He expressed his gratitude to USAID, Jhpiego and all other partners for their dedication and vision, saying together they are transforming the health care system, ensuring that no life is left behind and that every Mosotho in critical need receives the care they deserve.

Speaking at the same event, United States Ambassador Mr. Thomas Hines said the new facility represents a significant leap forward in the shared mission of improving the quality of care for patients while also laying the foundation for enhanced pandemic preparedness and response to emerging public health threats.

He indicated that the High Dependency Unit stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between the United States and the Kingdom of Lesotho.

Moreover, Mr. Hines elaborated that with 24 bed capacity and advanced equipment, the Motebang HDU will deliver enhanced medical care,clinical monitoring and oxygen therapy for severely I'll or injured patients transitioned from the normal inpatient wards or intensive care units.

He said the United States remains Lesotho's most steadfast and long standing partner, having provided over 19.5 billion Maloti in health assistance over the last twenty three years.

"As we officially open Motebang HDU, let us reaffirm our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, ensuring healthy lives and promoting the well being of all people,' he stated.

Speaking at the same event, Jhpiego Country Director Dr. Kemi Adeleke said through RISE funding and in collaboration with other stakeholders has supported Motebang Hospital in the refurbishment of the female ward into a high care unit.

She said the objective of this initiative is to reduce morbidity and mortality from COVID 19 and other related diseases, mitigating transmission and Strengthening health systems.

"The unit includes three large cubicles for six patients each and three smaller cubicles for two patients each and higher oxygen therapy contributing to a resilient health system with a lasting post pandemic impact across Lesotho.

Speaking at the same event, District Medical Officer Leribe Dr. Pusetso Topo said Leribe being one of largest districts with third largest Motebang Government Hospital after Maseru Hospital and Queen 'Mamohato Memorial Hospital the unit has come in handy.

He mentioned that Motebang Government Hospital is a referral hospital surrounded by Maputsoe and Peka ports of entry, factories and Polihali project.

Topo said today marks one aspect to strengthen the health services in the district.

Present at the occasion were also Director General Health Services,District Administrator Leribe and some health officials working at Motebang Government Hospital.