‘2019 was tough for Chitipa District Hospital’

Chitipa District Hospital medical officer Victor Matumbo has described the just-ended year was challenging in their quest to achieve universal health coverage.

He said this on Tuesday when Deputy Minister of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining Mungasulwa Mwambande donated food items to patients as part of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

He said the district’s terrain made it difficult to ferry patients from its 12 health centres to Chitipa District Hospital and that the high vacancy rate—56 percent for nurses and 45 percent for clinicians.

“We spend more on fuel, thereby affecting other operations.

He said: “Again despite an increase in annual budget, we struggle to source beddings for the health facilities. So, we appeal to various stakeholders for help.”

Mwambande visited the hospital to celebrate with patients during the festive season.

“The spirit of sharing shows how much we care about others. This is what motivated me to come here. I wish them a quick recovery,” he said.

One of the patients, Mercy Sibale, thanked the deputy minister for the donation.

The hospital has 350 beds and serves about 230 000 people.