By Sylvester Kumwenda

Dowa, February 23, Mana: Minister of health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda says government remains committed in ensuring access to health services to all Malawians by bringing essential health facilities and services near to the people.

She made the remarks Friday at Mwangala in Dowa when she presided over the official opening of Mwangala health center which has been constructed by Dowa district council under Health Rehabilitation Funds from government of Malawi.

Chiponda said government on top it's priorities has provision of good health services to the people, to ensure a free from disease population, capable of developing themselves and the nation at large.

"Under Sustainable Development Goals number three, it talks of everyone having access to good health and well being, and we are supposed to achieve that by the year 2030.

"But also, most importantly, our president is championing the Malawi 2063 vision. And for that to materialize, we need Malawians who have good health, are able to work, are economically viable, and that can only happen if we are able to give them health services when they are sick," said Chiponda.

She as such said she was happy that the facility will be able to provide general medical and maternal services, safe motherhood, provision of vaccines, cervical cancer screening, promoting health and encourage preventive health services amongst the 25000 people within the catchment.

Also, that the facility will now reduce distances through the hard terrain people had to travel to Dowa hospital for treatment and as a referral facility. This she added will also decongest the referral hospital.

"The president is stressing that we should not walk more than five kilometers to get to a medical facility, that is our goal. That is why you see us almost every week opening centers as well as health posts across the country," she said.

Under the Health Rehabilitation Funds, the district was allocated around MK2.9 billion which has been used to construct new and rehabilitate structures at Nalunga, Dowa hospital and Mwangala.

In his remarks, Member of Parliament for Dowa North East area Sam Kawale said the opening of the new health facility brought joy to the people of Mwangala and sorrounding areas.

He said previously, there was only one small structure built in 1972, which was around 20 meters wide and seven meters in length, and serviced all departments like OPD and maternity activities.

"It was in dilapidated state, floors were bad, the ceiling had fallen off. The walls were cracking. There was no dignity especially amongst pregnant women seeking help.

"Now we have this very beautiful facility which is like five times bigger than the one we had before, with a separate OPD, a maternity wing with spacious rooms and four hospital staff houses. So for us, we are extremely grateful to the president," he said.

While committing that people from Mwangala are ready to do their part in bringing further development to the area, like providing sand, bricks or labour where necessary, he committed that the hospital will be well taken care of so it outlives it's lifespan.

Senior Chief Nsakambewa, speaking after the launch said he was speechless, considering the history the area has in health care provision.

"We have had bad experiences due to lack of a proper health facility. But this ends now with this new hospital, which not only serves people from Dowa, but also some parts of Ntchisi," he said.