By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, February 20, Mana: Communities in the area of Traditional Authority Mzukuzuku in Mzimba have expressed excitement with construction of K77 million Mtuzuzu Health Post, saying it will help ease challenges people were facing when sick.

In an interview on Tuesday, Patrick Gondwe from Mhlaba Village said before construction of the health post, they used to travel long distances to Vibangalala Health Post and Mzimba District Hospital to seek medical help.

‘‘We only had a health surveillance assistant who would treat us all. When faced with serious medical conditions we would travel to Mzimba District Hospital and other health facilities, some located 13 kilometres away,’’ said Gondwe.

Another community member, Alick Jere, said having a medical facility in close vicinity will help people in the area prevent needless deaths.

Member of Parliament (MP) for Mzimba South West, Raymond Nkhata (DPP), praised government for constructing the health post in his constituency, saying most people were spending a lot to seek medical help from far away hospitals.

In his remarks, health surveillance assistant for the area, Nathaniel Mlowoka, said he treats over 150,000 people a month.

‘‘Most people come to seek help for malaria and diarrhea. Construction of this health post will surely go a long way in alleviating a huge workload that was there,’’ said Mlowoka.

According to director of health and social services for the council, Dr Prince Chirwa, opening of the health post awaits construction of staff houses and furnishings, such as beds, mattresses and other materials for the hospitals.

M’mbelwa District Council constructed the health post with funds under Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) project.