By Robert Nayeja

Nsanje, July 9, Mana: Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, has assured people in Nsanje of government’s commitment to improving health service delivery in the country.

Chiponda was speaking after commissioning the state-of-the-art multi-drug resistance Tuberculosis (TB) Ward at Nsanje District Hospital.

“This facility will mainly help those that have developed resistance to Tuberculosis treatment,” she said.

Chiponda advised people to seek early TB treatment once they experience signs and symptoms of the disease saying TB is curable if detected early.

Chiponda also advised district health officials and people in the district to look after the new structures.

She, therefore, expressed gratitude to the World Bank for complementing government’s efforts in promoting health service delivery in the country.

Chiponda noted a number of challenges the district hospital is facing and assured the district’s health management team that government will address the shortfalls.

“I have noted that the cold room is not working effectively and also the maternity wing is not up to standard,” she admitted.

Chiponda disclosed that government has allocated K500 million for rehabilitation of health facilities in Nsanje.

She encouraged health workers to work hard and refrain from drug theft, noting: “Anyone found in the malpractice, will face the law.”

During the event, the minister also launched motorbikes that will be used to deliver supplies in health Centre’s in the district under the Direct Delivery of Routine Immunization Vaccines and Interventions for Equity (Drive) health project.

Nsanje District Council Vice Chairperson, Felix Round, commended government for putting efforts in promoting health service in the country saying the new structure at the district will facelift Nsanje District hospital.

Construction of the TB Ward has costed K240 million.