Health centre, community develop charter
People of Traditional Authority (T/A) Kanyenda and workers at Nsenjele Health Centre in Nkhotakota District have developed guidelines that will govern operations of the health facility.
Nsenjele Health Centre senior disease control surveillance assistant Philip Chinsanjo said the charter is expected to improve service delivery.
“The charter has been discussed and agreed upon by both the community and workers. We strongly believe that this will contribute to cooperation and understanding between both parties, hence improving delivery of our services,” he said.
Chinsanjo also said community participation in health service delivery is vital to ensuring that needs of both parties are considered.
He said: “For example, the charter has included recommended working schedules for health workers so that they do not overwork. The charter has also suggested the introduction of a complaints and grievances mechanism system for patients.”
The development of the charter was facilitated by a project implemented by the Development Communications Trust (DCT) with funding from Tilitonse.
Tilitonse Board Chair, Phaniso Kaluwa, said health delivery system in the country can improve if there is a good relationship between people and health workers.
“Community involvement is crucial in health service delivery because the community will own the agreed decisions, hence smoothing operations of health facilities,” he said.
DCT executive director, Prince Mtelera, said the project empowered citizens by creating awareness of their right to health so that they are able to demand such rights.
