By Evidence Banda, Nkhatabay
Nkhatabay residents have raised an alarm over the suspension of scanning services at the district’s main hospital (Mkondezi), a crisis that has left patients with no option but to travel to Mzuzu for medical imaging at crippling personal expense.
One patient, Modrick Mdezu, who has a swollen leg, was referred to Mzuzu after being told scans were unavailable locally.
He lamented spending over K200,000 on transport and related costs, describing the situation as devastating for many who urgently need diagnostic services but cannot afford to make such journeys.
Hospital staff, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that scanning services have been down for more than two months, leaving a critical gap in healthcare delivery.
Nkhatabay District Director of Health Services and Sanitation, Topcy Mdolo, admitted the challenge, explaining that the hospital’s main scanning machine broke down due to excessive heat.
Although repairs have been attempted, the machine requires an air conditioner to maintain the necessary room temperature before it can function reliably.
Mdolo added that while the main equipment remains limited, some basic scans are still being conducted using smaller machines at the facility.
