By Clarabella Chipolonga

Chiradzulu, July 11, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud has said government is focused on providing quality health care services to its citizens by building high standard health Centre’s across the country.

Speaking in a briefing on Wednesday after visiting Malaya Health Post in Chiradzulu district where the construction of a borehole is underway, Daud said health posts and safe water remain crucial in delivering quality health services to the community.

“When we have more health posts, it means we are reducing congestion and long distances which people have to endure to access health care services at district hospitals.

“If we go to these hospitals, we will find out that they are congested because the small clinics in the community are not completed and many of them are not working,” Daud said.

Daud advised Chiradzulu district council officials and community leaders to monitor the progress frequently during construction of the borehole.

“We have all heard the contractor giving excuses for not finishing construction of the borehole but he has given us four days to finish drilling the borehole and seven more days for the borehole to be ready for use.

“This will need a strict follow up on the contractor in making sure that they have honoured their promise and every progress should be reported to my office,” Daud added.

District Commissioner for Chiradzulu, Francis Matewere commended Daud for the visit, saying it is encouraging to the community and council because it will speed up the construction process.

“Your coming has shown how determined the ministry is on issues to do with health care services in this country which is good because you have appreciated the challenges that are here,” Matewere said.

Traditional Authority (T/A) Nkalo expressed gratitude to the Deputy Minister for visiting his area and for giving them mandate to supervise the borehole construction works.

“From tomorrow, I will be here just to make sure that work has commenced, as you already know water is life, without water it is very hard to practice hygiene and a certain survey showed that 50 percent of the patients in the hospital are sick due to lack of hygiene. We will take care of the borehole,” T/A Nkalo said.

He, therefore, asked the Ministry of Health to consider upgrading Thuchira Health Centre to a rural hospital, noting that apart from serving people from Chiradzulu, the facility also serves others from Mulanje.

“Thuchira Health Centre borders Chiradzulu and Mulanje districts; thereby, communities from the two districts receive their health care services there although it is small, therefore, it will be easier if it is elevated to a rural hospital,” added T/A Nkalo.

Government in collaboration with the Global Fund embarked on a mission of constructing health posts and boreholes in rural areas that do not have access to health care services and safe water.