At least 20 000 people in Namileme in Thyolo District are expected to benefit from improved access to healthcare services following the construction of a K320 million health post with suppport from Press Trust.
The facility will provide antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, immunisation and treatment of common illnesses.
Speaking during the handover of the facility to the council on Wednesday, Thyolo district director of health and social services Mirriam Jere said the health post will also ease pressure on Thyolo District Hospital.
“We were required to bring vaccines almost daily from the district hospital, but due to fuel challenges, we were doing it once monthly, which was not ideal. With this health post, vaccine administration will improve,” she said.
Thyolo Central legislator Ben Phiri commended Press Trust for supporting healthcare delivery in the area.
“Anyone found engaging in such practices will face the law,” said the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development.
Press Trust trustee Wilson Chirwa said supporting the health sector, particularly in rural communities, is one of the organisation’s priorities.
“We have handed over this facility to you. Our appeal is that you should take its ownership and ensure that the structure is not vandalised,” he said.
Besides constructing the health post, Press Trust has provided beds, chairs and medical supplies while Thyolo District Council has constructed two staff houses.
