K13bn health posts project frustrates MPs

There is growing frustration among members of Parliament (MPs) over delays by Malawi Government to construct 55 health posts across the country.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Lilongwe South East legislator Steven Malondela (Malawi Congress Party) said there was nothing on the ground on the project and wondered when government will build the health posts.

He said: “When is government going to commence the construction of these health posts, which we understand are funded by the Global Fund to the tune of K13 billion.”

Malondela, whose constituency was among those to benefit from the project, said he raised the same issue in March this year and learnt that out of the targeted 55, only 30 were constructed.

In her response, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said they are holding discussions with Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs because government has to provide part of the funding since the project is being co-financed.

She said government is committed to finishing the project and that 55 health posts will be constructed.

“As we are talking now 20 facilities are under construction, most of them nearing completion. Right now, we have added five more whose construction will start next month,” said Chiponda.

In an interview yesterday, Parliamentary Committee on Health chairperson Mathews Ngwale said many MPs, including himself, are disappointed with the failure by government to construct the health posts.

He said all the 55 health posts should by now have been completed and operational.

Malawi Government committed to construct 900 health posts to promote access to health services.

The Global Fund provided K4 billion towards the 55 health posts project while government was to provide K9 billion.

In the 2023/2024 budget, government has however only allocated K1 billion towards the project.