By Linda Likomwa

Phalombe, July 10, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daudi has commended Phalombe District Council for re-opening Phalombe Health Centre which was greatly affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy induced rains in March 2023 thereby suspending much of the facility’s operations.

Due to the impact, services were suspended and communities around Phalombe Boma had to walk long distances to access medical services at Mpasa Health Centre and John Chilembwe Hospital at Migowi in the district while some had to accessing paying services at Holy Family Mission Hospital.

Speaking after touring the Phalombe Health Centre, Daudi thanked the Council and surrounding communities for working together tirelessly in renovating the facility to resume provision of health services.

“This is commendable. Last time, I visited this place most of the rooms were filled with mud and sand which was not conducive for health workers to provide medical services to surrounding communities,” she recalled.

Apart from Phalombe Health Centre, Nkhulambe Health Centre was affected by Tropical Cyclone Freddy induced rains.

“it is good to see that Phalombe Health Centre is fully operating and it shows that the Council really worked hard,” Daudi added.

Village Head Bokosi commended government renovating Phalombe Health Centre saying communities around Phalombe Boma would now access health services within walking distance as opposed to go long distances.

He recalled that traditional leaders and their subjects used to storm District Commissioner's Office to lobby for funds to renovate the health Centre.

Phalombe Health Centre has been renovated with funds from Department of Disaster Management Affairs, GIZ, Amref Health Africa and Phalombe Rehabilitation Funds and was fully re-opened in June 2024.

The Deputy Minister toured Mtemanyama and Malambwe health posts in traditional authorities Chiwalo and Jenala respectively which are almost complete.

In the meantime, Nkhuklambe Health Centre is not yet renovated.