The Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Ben Phiri, has commended the construction of the Makanjira Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care facility in Mangochi, Malawi. The facility, built by the Embassy of Iceland at a cost of over K2.4 billion, aims to improve access to essential healthcare services for the local population. This development is expected to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the community.
The new hospital will serve a population of 120,000 people and provide a range of services, including labour and delivery, surgery, antenatal, postnatal, and post-abortion care. The facility's construction is a significant step towards addressing the healthcare needs of the area, which has struggled with poor access to emergency healthcare services due to the condition of the Mangochi-Makanjira Road.
The commissioning of the facility was attended by various stakeholders, including Senior Chief Makanjira, who welcomed the development and highlighted the challenges faced by pregnant women in accessing healthcare services at the Mangochi District Hospital. The chief appealed to the government to rehabilitate the Mangochi-Makanjira Road to improve access to essential services and other development amenities.
Mangochi North legislator Ismail Kazembe also praised the facility, saying it will help address maternal and infant deaths in the area. The legislator's sentiments were echoed by Ministry of Health and Sanitation Principal Secretary (Administration) Bestone Chisamile, who pledged the ministry's support in deploying staff to the facility and ensuring that it receives operational funding.
The Iceland Ministry of Foreign Affairs director general, Porarinna Soebech, noted that the project reflects a long-standing partnership between the Government of Iceland and Mangochi District Council, which has lasted for more than 35 years. This partnership has led to the implementation of various development projects in the area, aimed at improving the lives of the local population.
The Makanjira Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care facility is expected to ease pressure on Mangochi District Hospital and provide essential healthcare services to the local community. With the support of the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, the facility is poised to make a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the people in Mangochi.
Key points
- The hospital was constructed by the Embassy of Iceland at a cost of over K2.4 billion.
- The facility will serve a population of 120,000 people and provide a range of healthcare services.
- The project reflects a long-standing partnership between the Government of Iceland and Mangochi District Council, lasting over 35 years.
