Residents of hard-to-reach communities in Ntcheu could soon spend less time travelling for medical care, with a new health centre expected to bring essential services closer to their homes.
National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc and Press Trust have invested K1.4 billion in the construction of Namale Health Centre, which is expected to serve more than 15,000 people.
The facility is expected to ease the burden on residents who travel about 45 kilometres to Ntcheu District Hospital to access medical attention, including maternal and child healthcare services.
Ntcheu District Council Chairperson Jumbe Mambo said long distances and poor road access, particularly during the rainy season, had made it difficult for people in the area to access medical services.
Mambo commended NBM plc and Press Trust for the investment, saying the health centre would help address healthcare challenges facing the community.
Speaking during a groundbreaking ceremony on Wednesday, NBM plc Chief Risk Officer Charles Ulaya said the project reflected the bank’s commitment to complementing government efforts in national development, particularly in health, education and sports.
“As the Bank of the Nation, we identified the need to support areas where healthcare services are lacking. We therefore partnered with Press Trust to construct the Namale Health Centre to improve access to healthcare for people in this community,” said Ulaya.
Press Trust Trustee Engineer Wilson Chirwa said the facility would include an outpatient department, a maternity wing and other supporting infrastructure to improve healthcare delivery.
The health centre will also have two staff houses, solar power and a water supply system. The council has pledged to contribute towards additional infrastructure through the reformed Constituency Development Fund (CDF).