The delivery of health services is expected to improve following the completion of the Makanjira Comprehensive Emergency Maternal and Neonatal Centre, which the government is constructing in Mangochi district.
The Malawi government is upgrading Makanjira Health Centre into a Comprehensive Emergency Centre with financial support from the Embassy of Iceland.
District Commissioner for Mangochi District Council, Dr. Smart Gwedemula, stated that once completed, the new comprehensive emergency facility will handle cases currently managed at Mangochi District Hospital.
“The new Makanjira Comprehensive Emergency Maternal and Neonatal Centre will reduce the distance people currently travel to access health services at the District Hospital, which is over 100 kilometers away,” said Gwedemula.
He mentioned that the construction of the facility is now at 50 percent completion, giving hope to the people in the area that they will soon start accessing services locally.
The project, launched by State President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera in October last year, will also transform the Makanjira area.
Over 120,000 people will receive health services from the upgraded facility.
District Commissioner Gwedemula also indicated that, in addition to funding the project, the Embassy of Iceland is supporting the government with the construction of a district council chamber and finance office block.
“We are also fortunate that the government, with support from the same donor, is constructing a Council Chamber and Finance office, which will also enhance the appearance of Mangochi district,” added Gwedemula.
He mentioned that, through decentralization, district councils are supposed to be housed under one roof, but Mangochi and other districts have scattered offices due to a shortage of office accommodation.
The construction works of the chamber are at 50 percent completion, with the ground floor completed and the contractor working on the upper floor.
He said that once completed, there will be improved coordination at the council.
Chairperson for Mangochi District Civil Society Organization Network, Joseph Makwakwa, agreed with Gwedemula, stating that as a fast-growing district with increasing service demands, the district needs such office structures.
He believes that the new finance office will incorporate digital platforms, improving service delivery.
He said the current situation is not ideal, as offices are scattered and council meetings are conducted at the Town Assembly.
Regarding the Makanjira Emergency Health Facility, Makwakwa noted that the area is not reachable during the rainy season due to poor road networks, which affects the delivery of health services.
“Makanjira area, covering the regions of Senior Chief Makanjira and Lulanga, becomes impassable during the rainy season, severely affecting referrals,” said Makwakwa.
He added that once the facility is completed, outbreaks and other referral cases, including maternity services, will be more easily addressed, thereby improving service delivery.
