Govt says 55 health posts are to be constructed across the country to increase access to public health services in rural areas.
Deputy Minister of Health, Enock Phale, said this at Kanolo Village during the launch and handing over to the contractor of construction works for Mwalawaphande Health Post in the area of Senior Chief Kachere in Dedza.
“As a government, we are going to construct 55 health posts across the country and Dedza is going to have three which will cost about K681 million with support from Global Fund,” said the deputy minister.
The deputy minister said encroachment of land meant for health facilities is a major challenge affecting some development projects.
“I want to put things straight that land for health facilities must be protected and chiefs should resolve misunderstandings surrounding health facilities’ land. At this health post we shouldn’t hear disputes emerging over land ownership,” warned Phale.
He said the behaviour affects the development of health infrastructures in many parts of the country.
Group Village Head Kanolo said the land to be used to construct the health facility was designated by their forefathers for various development projects.
“We are very happy that the government has come to our rescue, my subjects were moving long distances to access health services at Lobi, Mtendere and chitowo,” said GVH Kanolo.
Commenting on the development, Member of Parliament for Dedza North West, Auxous Chidovu, described the development as a timely relief.
“As a legislator, I will also construct one house for a health worker through Constituency Development Fund to supplement the efforts,” he said.
The health posts’ construction work will include the health facility’s two houses, toilets, water and solar systems.
Locations for the three health posts for Dedza are Kanolo, Sumbi, and Diamphwi.
