Grace Kwelepeta, Member of Parliament for Zomba Malosa, has voiced her concerns over the prolonged delay in completing Domasi Community Hospital, a project that began in 2012.
During a supplementary question to the Minister of Health, Kwelepeta inquired about the reasons behind the continued non-operation of the hospital’s Outpatient Department (OPD), despite assurances from President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera in July that it would be operational by August 1, 2024.
Kwelepeta expressed her surprise and disappointment that, to date, there is no indication that the OPD section will be opened soon.
“As I speak, the facility is still not connected to electricity and water. Moreover, no medical equipment or supplies have been delivered in preparation for its operation,” Kwelepeta remarked.
She highlighted the growing frustration among the local population, who continue to struggle with inadequate healthcare services due to the delay.
Responding on behalf of the Minister of Health, Minister of Tourism Vera Kamtukule assured the Zomba Malosa lawmaker that the OPD section would be operational by September 1, 2024.
However, Kwelepeta expressed dissatisfaction with this response, pointing out the current state of the facility.
“I am not satisfied with the response, given that we have only five days left before the promised date. It seems unrealistic to expect that water, electricity, and medical equipment can all be installed within this short period,” she added.
At present, residents of the area continue to receive healthcare services at the old Gines Health facility, which is struggling to accommodate the large population.
The construction of Domasi Community Hospital began in 2012 under the administration of former President Dr. Joyce Banda. Since 2021, the government has demonstrated a commitment to completing the hospital by allocating funds to the project, which is now over 70 percent complete.
