By Memory Chatonda

Blantyre, July 11, Mana: Government has expressed satisfaction with the newly constructed K1.1 billion Nancholi Health Centre which is expected to serve a population of 44,000 people in Nancholi Township and surrounding areas.

Speaking during the opening of the facility on Wednesday, Minister of Health, Khumbize Chiponda said the structure was of high-quality standard and adequately equipped to provide essential health care services to communities including under five children.

“We commend the contractor for building this state-of-the-art facility in Blantyre and this standard should be replicated by other districts that are constructing similar health facilities,” she noted.

Chiponda assured the communities that government would continue to work with its partners under the Health Sector Joint Fund to build more health posts across the country to bring quality health services closer to the people.

“In some areas, people are still traveling long distances to access health care just like it was the case here. So, it is necessary to have proper health Centre’s conveniently constructed to deliver services to people,” the Minister said.

She appealed to the health facility’s management committee to take due responsibility in ensuring that the facility was maintained and that no medical officer as involved in drug pilferage.

Human Development Team Leader for the British High Commission, Dan Pine said he was equally impressed with the newly built state-of-the-art Nancholi Health Centre.

He pledged the British High Commission’s commitment to work with the Ministry of Health to support the health sector in providing the required services to improve the health and well-being of communities.

Traditional Authority (TA) Somba thanked government for constructing the health centre to provide health-related services to communities in the area.

He urged his subjects to take ownership of the facility to ensure that it continues to benefit current and future generations.

Somba asked the government to consider rehabilitating the road leading to the facility to ease mobility challenges among the patients, including pregnant women.

Among others, the facility will provide out-patient, under-five clinic, maternity and family planning services.