Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) has constructed Chipande Health Centre in Traditional Authority (T/A) Machinjiri that will serve a population of 18 000 people.
The DHO has also rehabilitated a maternity wing at Makata Health Centre in T/A Makata to ensure that pregnant women deliver at the nearest health facility.
today. | Memory Kutengule Chatonda
Both facilities are set to open today, according to the DHO.
Speaking during the final preparatory meeting at Makata Health Centre on Thursday, group village head Chilipa said he was excited that under-five children and pregnant women will now access essential healthcare close to their homes.
“Previously, pregnant women used to deliver in transit because they could not endure travelling long distances to Mlambe Mission Hospital in Lunzu,” he said.
Commenting on Chipande Health Centre, T/A Machinjiri said his subjects were previously struggling to receive treatment for common illnesses.
He advised his subjects to guard against any vandalism of the facility.
Blantyre DHO spokesperson Chrissy Banda said for a long time communities from the two areas were struggling to access healthcare services.
She said only healthy people can contribute positively to national development; hence, implementing the projects.
“The DHO’s quest to provide healthcare services to improve people’s health and well-being is in line with the country’s long-term development strategy Malawi 2063,” said Banda.
Makata Health Centre, built in 2007, will offer maternity services in addition to already existing services such as antenatal care, under-five clinic, HIV testing, youth-friendly health services and health information to about 41 650 people.
