Malawi Gaming Board relieves people of Chisitu

Women of Chisitu in Mulanje District will no longer have to travel long distances to seek maternal health services thanks to the newly-constructed K72 million maternity clinic and waiting shelter.

The health facility, which was officially opened on Saturday, was built by Malawi Gaming Board (MGB), whose funds came from levies they receive from legal gambling.

The clinic, which is in Mulanje Central Constituency, will serve 1 500 pregnant women, according to Mulanje District chief medical officer Pempho Nyangulu.

Speaking at the function, legislator for the area Kondwani Nankhumwa, who is also Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, said the opening of the clinic has taken maternity care close to the people.

“By making this significant donation, the Ministry of Health will serve its people well by reducing congestion at Mulanje District Hospital and save a lot of money which is paid to Mulanje Mission Hospital for medical services rendered to expectant women,” he said.

MGB chief executive officer Master Maliro said women were “facing serious and degrading torture” by traveling long distances to seek maternal services.

“This is our opportunity to use lost money [used in gambling] to good use,” he said, urging the people of Chisitu to take care of the facility. n