Communities surrounding Gogode Dispensary in Sub Traditional Authority Suza in Kasungu district expect the newly constructed Gogode Maternity Wing to encourage hospital deliveries thereby promoting maternal health in the area.
Kasungu District Council has constructed the K50 million structure through the District Development Fund (DDF).
In an interview on Monday during a media tour to appreciate the progress of the project, Chairperson for Health Management Committee, Alex Milamba, said the maternity wing is a dream come true for the community which has been travelling 26 kilometres to access maternal services at Kasungu District Hospital.
“We have, all along, longed to have a maternity nearby, because travelling to Kasungu boma is not only expensive but also difficult especially during rainy season when roads become muddy. It is good news to us and we are anxious as to when it will open.
“This project started in November 2021 and is now almost complete as it is awaiting furniture. As a committee, we are satisfied with the work that has been done,” said Milamba.
Martha Dumu, a woman in the area concurred with Milamba saying the community has waited for a long time to get a maternity wing.
She said: “Now we don’t have an excuse of delivering in the homes. It was ironical that authorities were encouraging hospital deliveries when we had no such services nearby,” she said.
Christopher Mtopi, a medical assistant at the dispensary said the maternity project will reduce home deliveries and save mothers from maternal complications.
“Currently, we only offer out-patient services. Now that the maternity project is almost done, we expect a significant reduction in home deliveries. And again we expect that this project will help reduce congestion at Kasungu District Hospital,” he said.
Kasungu District Council Director of Public Works, Davie Chigwenembe said it is relieving that the long cry of the communities has been addressed.
He said the council would now focus on constructing staff houses and work on improving the dispensary as it is in dilapidated state.
“We are also thankful to Water Mission who have helped us with solar-powered water system supplying the dispensary and the surrounding communities,” he said.
Reported by Wanangwa Tembo
