Traditional leaders in Phalombe District have called on government to restore the original name of the district’s main health facility to Phalombe District Hospital, replacing its current name, Rev. John Chilembwe Hospital.
The hospital was renamed in 2024 by former president Dr Lazarus Chakwera, a decision that chiefs in the district say was made without their consultation.
In a letter addressed to the Phalombe District Council, the chiefs are asking the council to engage the Head of State, Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika, to reverse the name change and reinstate the former designation.
Vice Chairperson of the district’s chiefs council, Senior Chief Kaledzera, told The Truth that traditional leaders were not informed before the hospital’s name was changed.
“People of Phalombe want their hospital to be called Phalombe District Hospital,” said Senior Chief Kaledzera.
The Paramount Chief of Alhomwe, Chief Kaduya, has also thrown his weight behind the chiefs’ demand, supporting the call for government to change the name from Rev. John Chilembwe Hospital back to Phalombe District Hospital.
Chief Kaduya said traditional leaders, as representatives of the people, have a responsibility to reflect the wishes of their subjects.
“We discussed this matter during a council meeting and have already submitted a formal letter through our Phalombe District Council, requesting government to change the name of the hospital,” he said.
In 2024, former president Lazarus Chakwera renamed the main referral hospital in Phalombe after Rev. John Chilembwe, a move that reportedly did not sit well with some residents of the district.
