By Joel Phiri

Mzimba, March 6, Mana: Residents under Traditional Authority Mzukuzuku in Mzimba have expressed their excitement over the opening of Mtuzuzu Health Post, highlighting its significant impact in improving access to medical care. The facility has reduced the need for long-distance travel to seek treatment, effectively addressing a major healthcare challenge in the district.

M’mbelwa District Council constructed the health post using K77 million from the Governance to Enable Service Delivery (GESD) funds.

In an interview, Patrick Gondwe of Mhlaba Village said before the construction of the health post, they used to travel to Vibangalala Health Post and Mzimba District Hospital to seek medical help.

“Before its opening, we only had a Health Surveillance Assistant who would treat us all. But now we have a community midwife assistant who is helping expectant women and under five children,” he said.

“In the past when faced with serious medical conditions we would travel to Mzimba District Hospital and other health facilities, some located 13 kilometres away. The opening of this health post has come at the right time as it has eased those problems,” said Gondwe.

Another community member, Alick Jere praised M’mbelwa District Council for opening the structure saying it is helping people to seek medical help nearby.

“This health post is a relief to us all. Having medical facility in close vicinity is enabling many community members access help nearby in the process preventing many needless deaths in our community and surrounding areas,” said Jere.

Member of Parliament for the Mzimba South West, Raymond Nkhata, in a recent interview also praised government for constructing the health post in his constituency saying most people were spending a lot to seek medical help from far away hospitals.

“The people in my area were travelling to Mzimba District Hospital and other hospitals to seek help when ill. This was affecting them as they would spend a lot and also leave their homes affecting them in both economic aspects and social life. So I feel elated and happy with the construction of this health post,” said Nkhata.

HSA for the area Nathaniel Mlowoka, said he treats over 150,000 people a month.

Director of Health and Social Services for M’mbelwa District Council, Dr. Prince Chirwa in an interview said opening of Mtuzuzu health post has eased challenges that members of the community faced.

“We recently opened the facility and we also sent a community midwife assistant to boost up medical staff. With the opening of the facility, cases to do with antenatal, vaccines and under five clinics are now handled right there,” said Chirwa.