Concerned citizens in Machinjiri Township in Blantyre have teamed up to mobilise resources to renovate South Lunzu Health Centre and buy essential equipment for the facility.
In an interview on Wednesday, one of the concerned citizens Deus Sandram said the facility is in poor state and lacks essential equipment to serve patients.
The radio personality appealed to people in the area to support the initiative, saying they have a role to contribute to the facility which serves a population of 72 000 in the area.
Said Sandram: “There are many challenges affecting the health facility. Among others, the facility needs renovation and most beds need maintenance. Again, there are no good toilets and maternity wards.
“As residents, we want to exercise our role to take responsibility to mobilise funds and resources to fix some of the problems.”
He said a big walk is set for tomorrow [on Saturday] to raise awareness about the plight of the hospital as well as urge people to contribute to the noble cause.
The group’s chairperson James Kalungwe said they target to raise K70 million for the exercise.
Another resident John Kabudula said renovating the health facility will help improve the delivery of healthcare services.
Commenting on the initiative, the facility in-charge Oscar Soko commended the group, saying the situation at the facility poses a threat of outbreak of diseases that escalate because of poor hygiene.
“As healthcare workers, it is worrisome to see the state of the health centre and many people who get treatment at the facility. It is our hope that our fundraising initiatives such as a big walk the community members and hospital management have organised will be supported,” he said.
South Lunzu Health Centre was built in 1972.
