Concerns Raised Over Government's Commitment to Maternal Services Agreement
Ganda conveyed her apprehension during a parliamentary session on Friday, directing her inquiry to Health Minister Khumbidzi Kandodo Chiponda.
NSANJE, Malawi — Gladys Ganda, the Parliamentarian for Nsanje Lalanje, has voiced deep concern over the prolonged delay in the government's fulfilment of its commitment to honouring the maternal services agreement with the Christian Hospital Association of Malawi (CHAM), writes Cornelius Lupenga.
This development has led to CHAM suspending its delivery services, thereby putting the lives of expectant mothers at risk.
Ganda conveyed her apprehension during a parliamentary session on Friday, directing her inquiry to Health Minister Khumbidzi Kandodo Chiponda.
In her statement, Ganda highlighted that the government's lack of earnestness in meeting its obligations to CHAM has resulted in the cessation of maternal services provided by CHAM across the country.
As both a Parliamentarian and the Chairperson of the Finance and Budget Committee of Parliament, Ganda underlined the repercussions of this situation within her constituency.
Specifically, she pointed out the discontinuation of maternal services at Kalemba Rural Community Hospital.
Ganda revealed that due to elevated charges at the facility, Kalemba Rural Community Hospital had been forced to halt its provision of maternal services.
Consequently, women in the area are compelled to undertake arduous journeys to Phokera or Sorgin Health Centres to access the requisite services.
"The cessation of maternal services at Kalemba Rural Community Hospital has imposed significant challenges on our community," Ganda stated.
Furthermore, Ganda asserted that the government ambulance service has also been affected, which in turn has repercussions on the availability of ambulances operated by parliamentarians.
Responding to the concerns, Health Minister Khumbidzi Kandodo Chiponda expressed her unawareness of CHAM's decision to halt maternal services.
However, she disclosed that the government has recently received a substantial sum of $3.2 million USD earmarked for such services.
Kandodo Chiponda also revealed that a new Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with the Muslim Association of Malawi (MAM) to provide comparable maternal services in their facilities.
"We are committed to ensuring the availability of maternal services and will continue to collaborate with various associations to fulfil this vital commitment," the minister assured.
The concerns raised by Parliamentarian Gladys Ganda underscore the critical importance of consistent and reliable maternal services in safeguarding the well-being of expectant mothers and their infants.
As the government takes steps to address these challenges, it remains imperative to prioritise and ensure the accessibility of essential healthcare services across the nation.