Africa-Press – Malawi. In a major step toward strengthening healthcare delivery and advancing Sustainable Development Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Minister of Health Madalitso Chidumu Baloyi on Tuesday announced that Government has officially earmarked Khombedza Health Centre for upgrading into a fully fledged Community Hospital.
The announcement was made in Parliament during Question-and-Answer Time, in response to a query from Salima Central West Member of Parliament, Enock Phale, who asked the Minister to consider operationalising the newly constructed maternity theatre at Khombedza Health Centre. The theatre was built with support from the IMPATH Project.
According to the Minister, Khombedza Health Centre serves a catchment population of 69,389 people and sits about 30 kilometres from Salima District Hospital. The facility already has a theatre structure under the IMPATH Project, positioning it as a critical service point for maternal and emergency obstetric care.
However, she noted that the theatre has not yet been operationalised due to the absence of key supporting infrastructure required for safe surgical procedures. These gaps include:
•A fully functional laundry and sterilization block for theatre garments and linen;
•A fully equipped laboratory capable of conducting essential pre-surgery tests.
“Mr. Speaker, recognising these gaps, my Ministry has already earmarked Khombedza Health Centre for upgrading into a Community Hospital,” Baloyi said. “The project has been included in the Integrated Capital Investment Plan and will benefit from hospital rehabilitation and expansion works in the upcoming fiscal year.”
The planned works will include the construction of all required theatre-support infrastructure, alongside additional staff houses to accommodate clinical personnel who will run the expanded facility.
The Minister reaffirmed Government’s commitment to ensuring that Khombedza is fully upgraded and operational, enabling the people of Salima Central West to access comprehensive maternal and emergency services closer to home. This, she said, aligns with the national goal of improving equity, reducing delays in accessing care, and strengthening health outcomes for all Malawians.
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