Mzimba North District Health Office says about 150,000 people have been negatively affected by closure of Mapale Health Centre which is undergoing renovations.
The Ministry of Health through Mzimba North Health Office on 1st April closed the facility to pave way for the renovations that are expected to take a period of between six months and one year to complete.
Mzimba North DHO spokesperson, Lovemore Kawayi said the development is causing some inconveniences as most women are accessing postnatal services at St John Mission Hospital and Zolozolo Clinic.
Kawayi has revealed that only 40 percent of the renovation works have been done at the facility three months after its closure.
Meanwhile, most major services at the facility have been shifted to St John’s Mission Hospital and Zolozolo Health Centre creating a distance barrier to people to access services especially in townships of Mchengautuba, Masasa and Chiwavi Just to mention but a few.
According to Mzimba North district Health Office Spokesperson Livermore Kawayi the splitting of some services to St John of God Hospital and Zolozolo Clinic has brought Challenges to women especially those with babies.
“The temporary closing of Mapale hospital has brought some inconveniences especially to mothers who travel long distances to access services,” Kawayi said.
He however hinted that 40 percent of the work has been done as far as the renovations are concerned but the maternity wing which is expected to be built at the facility is still at foundation level.
“The renovation works have started very well right now 40 percent of the work has been done but the maternity wing which is being built at the site is still on foundation Level,” Kawayi said.
A few activities to remain at Mapale Health Centre which include ante-natal care, immunisation, family planning and cervical cancer screening.
Mzuzu is one of the cities which is worst hit by lack of health facilities and as the population continues to grow rapidly fears of congestion have remains the biggest challenge.
