Don’t disrupt health services—Mzimba DC
Mzimba district commissioner (DC) Emmanuel Bulukutu has called for cooperation between communities in Mharaunda, Traditional Authority M’mbelwa and the Synod of Livingstonia Health Department on the operations of Mharaunda Health Centre run by Embangweni Mission. Speaking on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Mzimba, the DC acknowledged the role communities played in constructing infrastructure at … The post Don’t disrupt health services—Mzimba DC appeared first on Nation Online.
Black News 
Mzimba district commissioner (DC) Emmanuel Bulukutu has called for cooperation between communities in Mharaunda, Traditional Authority M’mbelwa and the Synod of Livingstonia Health Department on the operations of Mharaunda Health Centre run by Embangweni Mission.
Speaking on Saturday during a stakeholders’ meeting in Mzimba, the DC acknowledged the role communities played in constructing infrastructure at the facility, but stressed the need to create a conducive environment for health workers to effectively deliver services.
Said Bulukutu: “Communities say they constructed the structures and are demanding access to cheaper health services or totally free services. However, the hospital officials say they need funds to meet operational costs.
“However, communities should not interrupt the delivery of health services as many people, including under-five children and expectant women access free services from the facility.”
The DC’s remarks follow concerns raised by Mharaunda Citizen Forum chairperson John Chirwa who argued that the community built the facility and is dissatisfied with the fees charged by the synod.
He said people moulded bricks in 2000 and constructed the health centre after facing challenges in accessing medical services.
Said Chirwa: “We used to travel long distances to Embangweni Mission Hospital or Manyamula Health Centre to access medical care. That is why we built this facility.
“But now the synod is operating it and we are being asked to pay for services that we expected to be free.”
He also alleged that the synod has not adequately maintained the infrastructure.
But the synod’s health department secretary Mphatso Nguluwe Chikhwaza said the institution has been maintaining both staff houses and the hospital.
“We have factored in funds for maintenance and we pledge to continue carrying out such works,” she said.
Chikhwaza said the synod provides both free and paid services in partnership with government.
The post Don’t disrupt health services—Mzimba DC appeared first on Nation Online.
