Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda has commended government’s efforts in increasing the ministry’s budget which has contributed significantly to the efficiency and operations of the ministry.
She made the remarks during a press briefing in Lilongwe.
She stated that the government’s goal is to enhance infrastructure development and improve the availability of hospitals, in line with the President’s vision of having a health facility within a five-kilometre radius of every community.
She acknowledged that the government has already constructed some of these facilities.
“When we conducted the roadmap assessment, we realised the need to establish more health posts to cater for both children and the elderly,” she said.
She emphasised the need for the construction of 900 health centres to fully realise government’s vision and asked development partners such as the Global Fund, Red Cross, JTI, and Press Trust to never get tired assisting the ministry.
She also highlighted that government has embarked on hospital rehabilitation projects to ensure that healthcare facilities remain conducive for both patients and healthcare workers.
Additionally, the minister commended government for employing 22,884 healthcare workers, which has significantly improved the ministry’s performance.
Chiponda acknowledged the challenges posed by the cholera outbreak and praised health workers for reaching over 49,000 villages, where children received vaccinations, leading to a significant reduction in cholera cases.
She then announced that 6700 additional healthcare workers will be employed, covering various categories, including promotions for those who have upgraded their qualifications.
