Delay to open health centre irks Karonga community

Community members from  10 villages around Thawilo Health Centre in the area of Senior Chief Mwilang’ombe in Karonga District have asked authorities to open the facility built in 2013.

In an interview, Thawilo Village resident Lytone Msiska said the delay is contributing to deaths of expectant mothers and under-five children due to the 15km which patients travel to Nyungwe Health Centre.

During a visit to the health facility last week, we found community members holding an income generating activity  meeting at the outpatient department section.

In an interview, Nyungwe Ward councillor Ethel Mwanza said efforts to have the heath facility opened have hit a blank wall.

“We were told that the facility could not open without a toilet and refuse pit.

“The toilets have been constructed, but up until now it is not yet open. We are worried because patients, especially expectant mothers, are the ones affected the most,” she said.

However, Karonga District Hospital administrator Clement Gonthi said Medical Council of Malawi (MCM), who inspected the facility, declared it unfit to open due to lack of toilets, drainage system, refuse pit and security of the drug store.

“Currently, the council has constructed the toilets and dug the refuse pit. We are now remaining with the drainage system and the burglar bars at the drug store so that MCM should be engaged again”.