By Joel Phiri
Mzimba, February 8, Mana: Minister of Health Khumbize Chiponda says government is impressed with the standard of construction works of Mzuzu Health Post and Vibangalala Maternity Wing in Mzimba.
The projects are being implemented by M’mbelwa District Council with support from Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD).
Chiponda was speaking on Wednesday during an inspection tour to appreciate progress of the construction works of the projects.
She said that construction of the two health structures will lessen distance that some people in rural Mzimba cover to access health services.
“Government is serious about taking health service closer to communities and the construction of these two facilities is a testimony to that.
“Government in collaboration with its development partners is to construct 900 health posts and we are on course to achieving that. The idea is to bring health facilities closer to the people,” Chiponda said.
The minister then asked the council to ensure that, once completed, the facilities are opened for public use for intervention to have a positive impact on the ground.
“Some people in this district cover up to 20 kilometres to get to the nearest health facility. So, construction is one thing but using them is another.
“I therefore urge the council to ensure that these facilities are furnished with beds, mattresses and all necessities, including deployment of health workers,” she said.
Chairperson for the council, Morgan Tembo, said the council will source funds to furnish both facilities with beds and mattresses within six months for them to be ready for use.
In an interview, medical assistant at Vibangalala Health Post, which serves a population of 15,000 people, Wisdom Nyirenda, hailed the council for the constructing a maternity wing at the facility, adding expectant mothers will be assisted accordingly once it becomes operational.
“We currently refer them to Mzimba District Hospital which is some 20 kilometres away and some to Embagweni Mission Hospital,” said Ngwira.
