Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Ben Phiri has hailed the construction of Makanjira Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care facility, saying it will help reduce maternal and infant deaths.
The Embassy of Iceland has constructed the facility at a cost of over K2.4 billion to improve access to essential healthcare services in the area.
The facility is expected to serve a population of 120 000 and offers services such as labour and delivery, surgery, antenatal, postnatal and post-abortion care.
Speaking on Monday during its commissioning, Phiri said the facility will ease access to emergency healthcare services for people who struggled to reach Mangochi District Hospital due to the poor condition of the Mangochi-Makanjira Road.
“This health facility will not only save lives, but it will add ambience and bring other development amenities to the area,” he said.
Senior Chief Makanjira welcomed the facility, saying it will ease access to healthcare, particularly for pregnant women who faced difficulties travelling to Mangochi District Hospital for referral services.
He, however, appealed to the government to rehabilitate the Mangochi-Makanjira Road to improve access to essential services and other development amenities.
Mangochi North legislator Ismail Kazembe (Democratic Progressive Party) also hailed the facility, saying it will help address maternal and infant deaths.
Ministry of Health and Sanitation Principal Secretary (Administration)Bestone Chisamile said the facility will ease pressure on Mangochi District Hospital.
He also pledged the ministry’s support in deploying staff to the facility and ensuring that it receives operational funding to effectively serve people.
Iceland Ministry of Foreign Affairs director general Porarinna Soebech said the project reflects a long-standing partnership between the Government of Iceland and Mangochi District Council, which has lasted for more than 35 years.
