By Mary Makhiringa

Balaka, July 12, Mana: Deputy Minister of Health, Halima Daud on Thursday opened a K700 million multi drug resistant Tuberculosis (TB) Ward at Balaka District Hospital, which among other things, will reduce the problems that patients have been facing in the district.

With a growing population of investors in the mining sector, Balaka is prone to having more people suffering from TB and the construction of the ward has been described as timely.

Speaking after touring and inaugurating the structure, Daud said a good health system is important to any nation and revealed that government is investing in constructing 9000 health posts in the country so that health services are brought closer to people.

She said the intervention is also meant to reduce congestion at the district and central hospitals.

Said Daud: “This multi-drug resistant TB ward will go a long way in alleviating the many challenges Balaka District Health Office has been facing to treat those suffering from TB.

“Let me urge you all and those working in places prone to TB to rush to the hospital before it is too late. Every person in this country is important to help in the development agenda. This can only happen if we have healthy people, together we can continue to make significant strides in our fight against TB and ensure a healthier future for all.”

Director of Health and Social Services for Balaka District Council, Dr. Chimwemwe Thambo admitted that for years, the hospital has been struggling to refer patients to Queen Elizabeth or Kamuzu central hospitals which has been draining a lot of resources.

He however said the construction of the facility will help the district office to reduce such expenditures.

“With a population of over 600,000, every year, our district hospital sees not more than 12 patients with multi drug resistant TB. The construction of the ward is timely and each time we do not have a patient, the structure will be used to house other patients,” he said.

Balaka District Council Chairperson, Osman Mapira thanked government for the timely intervention, noting that the district is fast growing with more potential investors coming in to invest in the mining sector.

“We have seen Portland Cement Company investing, we also have the Lindian Company which is mining rare earth and again, our district produces Lime which in one way or the other leaves the surrounding community as well as those working in such factories prone to TB,” he said.

Mapira called on government to consider Balaka by constructing a befitting district hospital as the current one was a leprosy center donated by the Catholic Church.

Construction of the multi-drug resistant TB Ward was financed by the World Bank.