Minister of Local Government, Ben Phiri, says government will continue prioritising quality in the construction of health infrastructure to improve the delivery of effective and dignified healthcare services.
Phiri made the remarks in Lilongwe during the official opening of the Chinsapo Health Centre extension building, a project valued at K1.1 billion.
The new facility is expected to provide services for HIV clients and patients with non-communicable diseases, helping to ease pressure on Bwaila Hospital and Kamuzu Central Hospital.
The minister said government remains committed to ensuring that public health facilities are built to high standards to guarantee durability, proper maintenance and long-term service delivery.
Deputy Minister of Health, Charles Chilambula, said the upgraded health centre is now offering laboratory services in addition to outpatient and HIV care, a development expected to improve access to timely healthcare.
Meanwhile, AIDS Healthcare Foundation Africa Bureau Chief, Martin Matabishi, said the facility was constructed in a high HIV-burden area to strengthen care and antiretroviral therapy services for an estimated 54,000 HIV clients across Malawi.
The hospital was constructed by DBM Construction Limited.
Director of the company, Billy Milimbo, expressed his gratitude that the facility has met all the required standards and specifications set by the relevant authorities.
The extension was funded by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and serves a catchment population of approximately 74,000 people.
By Charles Wahara
