Save the Children hands over Covid isolation centre

Save the Children has handed over a Covid-19 isolation centre at Pirimiti Rural Hospital in Zomba to support the district’s response.

Speaking on Friday during the handover of the 34-roomed facility, Save the Children country director Kim Koch said the pandemic is devastating; hence, constructing the structure.

She said: “Save the Children is always known for protecting children’s rights through various programmes.

“However, adequate healthcare is also paramount to the life of children and through the facility, we know that we’re contributing to better life of our children.”

Save the Children also drilled a borehole and installed a water tank to ensure constant water supply at the facility. The organisation has also donated personal protective equipment to the facility.

On his part, Zomba District director of health and social services Alexander Chijuwa said the facility will enhance the district’s capacity to handle Covid-19 patients.

“We set up five isolation centres. Luckily, we had 12 cases that were admitted. However, it is important to have more space in case the cases  rise,” he said.

In his remarks, Bishop George Tambala of Zomba Diocese of the Catholic Church asked people in the district to observe Covid-19 preventive measures.

Pirimiti Rural Hospital, which is under Christian Health Association of Malawi, has a maternity facility, dispensary, antiretroviral clinic and outpatient department.               

Besides Pirimiti, Matawale Health Centre, Zomba Central Hospital, Chancellor College and Domasi College are other Covid-19 isolation centres in the district.

Zomba District Health Office said the new facility will also be used to treat some diseases in the event that Covid-19 is eradicated.

The project cost K30 million.