By Gracious Phiri

Kasungu, March 29, Mana: Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo-Chiponda says government has so far constructed 200 of the planned 900 health posts nationwide.

Kandodo-Chiponda said this on Friday during the laying of a foundation stone for the construction of Mphasi Health Post in Kasungu District.

She said upon taking office, the Chakwera-led administration launched a flagship programme to construct 900 health posts to reduce distances people cover to access essential healthcare services in the country.

‘I am so grateful for this project because it is a game changer. We have now done almost 200 health posts and most of them are already functional,’ she revealed.

The minister said the stride government is taking ascertains its commitment in enhancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC), promoting safe motherhood, and reducing teenage pregnancies by making sexual and reproductive health services accessible within every five kilometre.

She said: "Long distances to health facilities negatively impact safe motherhood activities."

Kandodo-Chiponda also warned against theft and mismanagement of construction materials, stating that this leads to having substandard structures that do not last long.

Sub-Traditional Authority Mphasi said pregnant women face mobility challenges in reaching the nearest health centres, Bua and Kasungu District Hospitals, which are approximately 30 kilometres away.

He expressed readiness to ensure construction materials are secured and utilized effectively.

"We are excited with the coming of a health post here. Regarding security, we have already set up committees that will safeguard materials to be used," he said.

Christina Samalani, a resident of Mphasi, was all smiles about the project, stating that it will ease challenges in accessing essential healthcare services for the local community.

Government plans to construct two health posts at Mphasi and Kapili in Kasungu, which are to cost about K1.5 billion, a development that will increase number of health posts in the district to 40.