Nsanje DHO introduces health service charter

Nsanje District Health Office (DHO) has come up with a service charter and patient bill of rights which will help them to effectively deliver services.

In an interview yesterday, Nsanje DHO spokesperson George Mbotwa said the charter is a document which outlines duties and responsibilities of health workers and patients.

He said: “For example, patients should know the time to be offered services at the facility.

“Health workers should also respect patients to encourage them to come to hospitals.”

Mbotwa said the charter will be in three languages, namely English, Chichewa and Chisena.

In separate interview, Tiphedzane Community Support Organisation executive director Mike Dansa said they support the initiative.

He said a survey they conducted using a scorecard indicated that patients wanted a charter to improve service delivery at the facility.

On his part, Patients Community Welfare Foundation of Malawi public relations manager Amade Alide said the initiative was a step towards achieving universal health coverage by 2030.

“So, we need to adopt this initiative in all district hospitals,” he said.

A patient, Timmy Kawiya, said they now know where to lodge complaints when they are not helped.