Gvt Pledges Improved Access to Health Services in Hard-to-Reach Areas

Malawi: The government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving access to health services throughout the country, including in remote areas, in order to achieve universal health coverage, writes Judgement Katika.

Deputy Minister of Health, Enock Phale, stated this on Saturday in the area of Senior Chief Nankumba, a remote area where communities are using a grass-thatched temporary shelter for a health facility.

According to Phale, previous governments neglected rural communities, and it is sad to see people travelling more than 20 kilometres to access health services.

According to the deputy minister, this is why the Chakwera administration plans to build 900 health posts, even in difficult-to-reach areas, to address such challenges.

Senior Chief Nankumba, for his part, stated that his area has long been denied development such as water and health services, and he praised the deputy minister for bravely visiting the area.

The government has already begun building health posts in some areas across the country in order to improve access to health services.