Health workers at Mzuzu Urban Community Hospital, popularly known as Mapale, have pledged to remain committed to serving patients and improving the quality of care despite facing several infrastructure and equipment challenges.
Mzimba North Director of Health and Sanitation Services Wamaka Musopole made the pledge during a Sleepover Challenge organised by Nation Publications Limited as part of preparations for this year’s Mother’s Day Fun Run.
The Sleepover Challenge brought together representatives from various organisations, including WaterAid Malawi, Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) and Women’s Legal Resources Centre (WOLREC), among others.
Mapale Health Facility faces several infrastructure challenges, including the absence of a radiology department, admission wards and adequate consultation rooms. The facility also does not currently have a theatre, although construction of one is underway.
In addition, the facility has inadequate toilets and bathrooms for both patients and staff and operates without adequate electricity and water backup systems.
Despite these challenges, Musopole said health workers remain dedicated to ensuring that patients receive services on time.
“Our health workers here are very committed. This facility makes sure that we start providing services on time, but also we provide our services 24 hours despite some of the shortages I have mentioned,” he said.
Musopole also commended the surrounding community and the hospital management committee for supporting efforts to address some of the challenges facing the facility.
“We have a very supportive community, we have a very supportive hospital management committee, which we are always working hand in hand to solve some of the challenges that we have,” Musopole said.
WaterAid Malawi Country Manager Peter Phiri praised the resilience of the health workers, saying they continue to provide quality services despite operating with limited equipment and supplies.
“One key thing that I can highlight is the resilience of the workers here. They are able to do much more with dedication amidst the challenges that they are facing, that includes limited equipment and supplies,” Phiri said.
Phiri said WaterAid would work with the hospital administration to advocate for improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, while also amplifying the facility’s wider infrastructure and equipment needs.
“We will be an advocate working together with the hospital administration to amplify the voices but also bring to the public the challenges that those that are seeking healthcare are facing here at this facility,” he said.
MHEN Executive Director George Jobe also praised the health workers, saying their life-saving contribution is often overlooked when problems occur.
“People do not appreciate the good work that our health workers do. They do a lot, but sometimes when a mistake happens, we amplify the mistake and forget the good, life-saving work they do,” Jobe said.
Jobe pledged that MHEN would continue advocating for increased government investment in the health sector and urged communities and businesses to support health facilities with essential equipment.
WOLREC Executive Director Maggie Kathewera Banda said the dedication of health workers was evident despite the challenges they face.
“One of the things I have seen is the dedication and commitment of our health workers. Despite the fact that health workers are experiencing challenges, that does not deter them from producing the best results,” she said.
Kathewera Banda called on Malawians to understand the needs of their local health facilities and work together to provide support, particularly equipment needed in maternity wards.
“I have seen that some of the needs are not even expensive. They are things that we can ably do when we hold hands,” she said.
