By Evidence Banda, Nkhatabay
Mkondezi Hospital, one of Nkhatabay District’s health facilities, is grappling with a sanitation crisis that strips patients and their guardians of dignity. What may, at face value, seem like mere broken toilets is, in fact, a window into years of institutional neglect, poor maintenance, and chronic underfunding that have left the hospital on the brink of collapse.
Every day, patient guardians—family members who provide food, care and support to admitted relatives— are forced to bathe in corridors and relieve themselves in nearby bushes.
“I feel ashamed every time I have to use the bush,” said Emily Ekizakitile, who was found washing in a corridor. “We don’t want this, but what else can we do?”
Her words echo across the wards. Vincent Amon confirmed that men face a similar predicament, with toilets and bathrooms long out of service.
From Chintheche, Tolia Zeluzamala explained that women have grown accustomed to the situation. “We lost our dignity long ago. Toilets have been blocked for months, and bathrooms are unusable,” she said.
Guardians point to overgrown bushes around the hospital—some reaching window level—as a daily reminder of neglect. Authorities walk past them, but nothing changes.
Hospital officials admit the crisis but deflect responsibility. Health Promotion Officer Milika Khoza acknowledged the problems, explaining that the hospital receives funding primarily earmarked for drug purchases and daily operations, leaving little for maintenance works.
She stressed that Mkondezi Hospital is vast, with extensive grounds that ground labourers struggle to manage effectively.
On the issue of deteriorating conditions at the guardian shelter, Khoza declined to comment, stating that the shelter is a community facility and therefore the responsibility of the community to maintain.
Meanwhile, Mkumbila ADC Chairperson Mavuto Kaunda dismissed the issue as “not news,” calling it a longstanding problem. He blamed both the community and hospital management, offering vague promises of action.
The hospital, designed to serve 250,000 people, is now a shell of its purpose. Sinks are broken, taps leak, and toilets remain blocked. Requests for repair funds have gone unanswered. “The sanitation crisis now threatens even those who are not sick,” warned the District Chairperson and Bungulu Ward Councillor.
Interviews reveal a cycle of blame: locals accuse management of neglect, management blames locals, and traditional leaders are criticized for treating the hospital as belonging only to Mkumbila rather than the entire district.
The crisis has reached the ears of lawmakers. Jacob Mtambalika, MP for Nkhatabay Mpamba Constituency, called for urgent intervention.
“We must put people first. This hospital must be maintained. I will rally fellow MPs to ensure resources are allocated,” he pledged.
But others admit their hands are tied. Symon Vuwa Kaunda, MP for Nkhatabay Central Constituency, acknowledged the severity of the problems but said financial control rests with the district council.
“The challenges are real, but without resources from the council, there is nothing I can do,” he said.
Mkondezi Hospital was meant to serve as a place of healing. Unless urgent repairs and accountability measures are enforced, it risks becoming a public health hazard instead.
