Mzuzu Health Centre asks for guardian shelter

Mzuzu Health Centre officials have asked Mzuzu City mayor William Mkandawire to construct a guardian shelter at the health facility, saying lack of a shelter inconveniences guardians and hospital staff.

Staff at the centre say guardians, usually over 30, sleep in the corridor right at the facility’s entrance.

Speaking on Tuesday when Mkandawire and other Mzuzu City Council (MCC) officials visited the facility to cheer newborn babies and expectant mothers, Mzuzu Health Centre nursing officer Tandamula Chipofya urged the mayor to help address the problem.

“You helped us with a generator when we complained about power challenges.  However, we have this problem of a guardian shelter we would like you to address,” he said.

Chipofya said the situation is pathetic and an insult to guardians who sleep outside.

He said it becomes more challenging when it rains and during cold weather.

“Mzuzu gets really cold sometimes. So you can imagine the guardians’ experience. It is not on,” said Chipofya.

In response, Mkandawire said the health centre raised a genuine concern which needs to be seriously looked into. He said MCC would try to mobilise resources for the construction of a shelter.

“We will take up the issue. I cannot commit myself on the time frame, but we will try our best,” he said.