By Wendy Mkandawire
Minister of Health Madalitso Baloyi clarified that the Area 21 Chilinde Health Centre in Lilongwe is now operational and has been upgraded to a community hospital.
Responding in Parliament on Monday to Lilongwe City Masintha Member of Parliament Juliana Kaduya, Baloyi stated that the facility is already providing health services to the public and has since been upgraded from a health centre to a community hospital
In her response, Baloyi said the Chilinde hospital is already providing health services and has since been upgraded from a health center to a community hospital.
The minister said the upgrade is in line with the government’s long-term strategy to transform selected health centers across the country into larger community hospitals.
According to her, the government’s goal is to bring more comprehensive medical services closer to the people.
Baloyi explained that the initiative is also designed to reduce pressure on district and central hospitals.
She added that by strengthening services at the community level, more patients can access treatment near their homes without having to travel long distances or wait in overcrowded facilities.
Chilinde benefits thousands of residents in Area 21, Chilinde, and surrounding areas who previously relied on Kamuzu Central Hospital and other district facilities for referrals.
