Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc and Press Trust have invested K1.4 billion in the construction of Namale Health Centre in Ntcheu, in a partnership aimed at improving access to healthcare for more than 15,000 people in hard-to-reach communities.
The project, officially launched at a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, is expected to bring essential medical services closer to residents who currently travel long distances to access healthcare.
Speaking at the ceremony, NBM plc Chief Risk Officer Charles Ulaya said the investment reflects the bank’s commitment to complementing government efforts in national development, particularly in health, education and sports.
“As the Bank of the Nation, we identified the need to support areas where healthcare services are lacking. We therefore partnered with Press Trust to construct the Namale Health Centre to improve access to healthcare for people in this community,” said Ulaya.
The health centre is expected to ease the burden on residents who travel approximately 45 kilometres to Ntcheu District Hospital to access medical attention, including maternal and child healthcare services.
Ntcheu District Council Chairperson, Councilor Jumbe Mambo, commended NBM plc and Press Trust for the investment, describing the facility as an important development that will address healthcare access challenges in the area.
Mambo said the long distances and poor road accessibility, especially during the rainy season, had made it difficult for residents to access medical services.
He added that the council would complement the project by contributing towards the development of additional infrastructure at the facility through the reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF).
“The health centre will have two staff houses. It will also provide solar power and a water supply system. The additional facilities are expected to support the delivery of essential medical services while providing accommodation for healthcare workers and improving access to reliable electricity and water,” said Chirwa.
Press Trust Trustee Engineer Wilson Chirwa said the facility would comprise an outpatient department (OPD), a maternity wing and other supporting infrastructure to facilitate healthcare delivery
