National News

Tukombo health facility downgraded

Efforts by Tukombo residents in Nkhata Bay District to curb cases of maternal deaths, women giving birth without help of health officials and other complications, have become shady following the district health officer’s (DHO) pronouncement that their prospective health centre has been reduced to a dispensary. The dispensary will not have maternity services.

The deserted health facility in Tukombo
The deserted health facility in Tukombo

By turning the facility into a dispensary, expectant mothers and other patients will still have to travel over 10 kilometres to access health services.

Over K19.8 million was injected in the construction of the facility. Of the investment, K16.5million was from the European Union, K2.2million from Dosani Trust, K800 000 from Krista Harris and K300 000 from Kunyanja Development Organisation (Kudo). K900 000 from Constituency Development Fund (CDF) was also released to help the DHO Albert Mkandawire to buy equipment for the dispensary to be certified.

Speaking during an interface meeting organised by CCJP, Mkandawire said due to inadequate facilities, equipment and personnel, the Medical Council of Malawi rated the structure as a dispensary in August 2014. However, it cannot be opened until some requirements have been met.

Area Development Committee (ADC) chairperson Frank Banda said people cannot continue suffering when there is a facility in the area.

 

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