By Jones Gadama
The Malawi Government has officially opened the Chigodi Health Centre in Lilongwe Mpenu Constituency, marking a significant milestone in the country’s quest to provide accessible healthcare to all its citizens.
This state-of-the-art facility, constructed at a cost of over K500 million from the District Development Fund, is poised to serve more than 25,000 people from 304 surrounding villages.
Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, emphasized that the centre aligns perfectly with President Dr Lazarus Chakwera’s vision that no Malawian should travel more than five kilometres to access essential healthcare. “This facility is a crucial step towards achieving that goal,” Minister Chiponda stated.
The centre will provide vital outpatient and maternity services, bringing much-needed relief to the community.
Lilongwe Mpenu MP, Eisenhower Mkaka, expressed profound gratitude over the completion of the long-awaited project, describing it as transformational for the community.
“You can’t talk about education, farming, or security without good health,” MP Mkaka underscored.
His sentiments echo the sentiments of local residents, such as Esnath Kukhongo from Zuwala Village, who revealed that many community members used to sell their land or livestock just to afford healthcare for a family member.
This new health centre will significantly bridge the healthcare gap in the area, reducing medical emergencies and bringing essential healthcare closer to hundreds of households in Lilongwe Mpenu.
Senior Chief Dete applauded MP Mkaka’s efforts, noting that the healthcare facility will be a lifeline for women and children who previously had to walk long distances for medical services.
In his remarks, Minister Chiponda issued a stern warning against theft of medical supplies, urging health workers to safeguard public resources.
This call to action underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that public facilities like Chigodi Health Centre operate efficiently and effectively.
The opening of Chigodi Health Centre is also a testament to MP Eisenhower Mkaka’s dedication to driving development in Lilongwe Mpenu Constituency.
Over his tenure, Mkaka has spearheaded numerous development initiatives, including the construction of 14 concrete bridges, a new court building at Mpenu Headquarters, several new school blocks, and three water reticulation systems servicing over 30 villages.
He has also overseen the drilling of 80 new boreholes and the rehabilitation of 320 others across the constituency.
As the community celebrates this milestone, it’s clear that the Chigodi Health Centre will be a beacon of hope for the people of Lilongwe Mpenu, embodying the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for all Malawians.
