* Developing strong and equitable health system requires hands-on participation from all sectors of Malawi society
* This is a powerful and elaborate example of the desirable impact of public private partnership (PPP) that Government promotes—Deputy Health Minister Noah Chimpeni
By Duncan Mlanjira
Standard Bank has handed over Zomba Central Hospital’s maternity high dependency unit (HDU) it extensively reburbished which Deputy Minister of Health, Noah Chimpeni acknowledged that the K210 million investment demonstrates the bank’s exceptional workmanship and quality.
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The HDU has been extended to six beds from two, invested into it high-tech antenatal scanning equipment and added beautifully crafted ambience to the ward — a huge investment which Deputy Minister Chimpeni described as “a powerful and elaborate example of the desirable impact of the public private partnership (PPP) that Government promotes”.
Chimpeni highlighted that the Ministry’s Health Sector Strategic Plan III, among several others issues, “advocates for the provision of quality healthcare to all that includes high quality maternity services”.
“For us to provide quality healthcare, we need qualified personnel, we need medicines and medical supplies but most importantly, we also need a clean, safe and appropriate environment complete with required pieces of equipment.
“Government is loaded with competing priorities in its various sectors as it advances the development agenda. It, therefore cannot therefore manage to do everything alone — that is where the PPP philosophy comes in and I sincerely hope other partners in the private sector will take after Standard Bank.”
He took cognizance that Zomba Central Hospital referral facilities were constructed so many years ago when the population was much smaller than it is now and thus apart from requiring extensive renovations, “extending the various sections of the hospital including the maternity HDU was very timely and necessary”.
“It is my hope that the structure will have a significant impact on the quality of healthcare services that the people of Zomba and surrounding areas will be getting. We also hope that the facility will contribute towards the Universal Health Care Coverage agenda.”
The hospital’s maternity wing conducts about 800 deliveries per month and about 15% of them are usually done through Caesarian section but despite these huge numbers, the space as well as pieces of equipment were not adequate.
“That is the reason I find this project that Standard Bank carried out here as a timely supply to demand,” the Deputy Minister said. “With an investment exceeding K210 Million, Standard Bank has done a commendable job in extending the physical infrastructure at this hospital, increasing the capacity of the ward and ensuring the HDU has appropriate pieces of equipment.
“The Bank has really positioned itself as a true partner — not only for Malawi growth and development — but also in supporting the ambitious MW2063 national vision of being a self-reliant nation.
MW2063
“I must say this is the way to go when you consider that nowadays our traditional partners are now showing signs of donor fatigue. This is the reason the Ministry developed and launched the National Health Financing Strategy which encourages the private sector and other local partners to contribute towards healthcare service delivery in as many ways as possible.”
On health infrastructure needing to match the country’s growing population, Chimpeni took note that by doubling the bed capacity in the maternity HDU from two to six, “will significantly strengthen the hospital’s ability to provide life-saving care to mothers and newborns during their most vulnerable moments”.
“This gesture goes beyond corporate social responsibility — it is a strategic investment in the future of our nation. Healthy mothers bring forth healthy children, and healthy children build strong, resilient communities.
“It is such communities that are key in the country’s national development,” he said, while recognising that “Standard Bank’s foresight recognises that healthcare is not the government’s responsibility alone as developing a strong and equitable health system requires hands-on participation from all sectors of society.”
He thus urged Zomba residents and the rest of the citizenry to ensure that all expectant mothers should start with antenatal clinics immediately they realise that they are pregnant — as this will “enable them to receive all the necessary antenatal care services”.
“They should attend all required antenatal clinic sessions and deliver at the hospital where there are trained healthcare service providers. Following this helps healthcare service providers to detect any possible maternal complications and provide necessary management and care.
“It is such interventions that will help to save Malawi’s newborns and mothers. It is pleasing to note from current reports that Malawi is doing well in reducing childhood illnesses and deaths.”
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Chimpeni further said there is still the need to do more to attain a similar feat in the reduction of newborn maternal illnesses and deaths while also urging all healthcare workers in the country “to treat patients and guardians with dignity and courtesy they deserve”.
“I know most of you serve people diligently and professionally but there are some few who do the contrally. These few tarnish the image of the whole medical fraternity.
“I want to encourage all clients, patients and guardians to report all wayward service providers to their authorities. You can also report them to the hospital Ombudsman or Medical Council of Malawi for investigation and redress,” said the Deputy Minister.
