Residents demand government reclaim Mhalaunda health centre from mission hospital
Tensions are rising in Mhalaunda, under Inkosi ya Makhosi M’mbelwa in Mzimba District, where a local citizens’ group has petitioned the government to reclaim control of Mhalaunda Health Centre from Embangweni Mission Hospital, accusing the institution of operating the facility as a private entity.
The group, operating under the banner of the Mhalaunda Citizens Forum, together with concerned residents, presented a formal petition to M’mbelwa District Commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu, calling for urgent government intervention to restore the facility’s public status.
According to the forum’s chairperson, John Chirwa, the health centre was originally constructed in 2002 through a partnership between World Vision and the local community, to improve access to essential healthcare services in the remote area.
However, he said the situation has since changed, leaving many residents struggling to access care.
“World Vision, with support from the community, built this health centre to serve the people. But now we are facing difficulties accessing medical services because it is being treated as a private facility. We are calling on the government to step in and reclaim what rightfully belongs to the community.”said Chirwa.
Chirwa further emphasised that the current arrangement has created barriers to healthcare, particularly for vulnerable populations who cannot afford services typically associated with privately managed facilities.
In their petition, the group has given the Ministry of Health a 21-day ultimatum to respond and take corrective action, warning that continued inaction could further worsen already strained access to healthcare in the area.
Receiving the petition, District Commissioner Bulukutu acknowledged the residents’ concerns and assured them that the matter would be escalated to the relevant authorities for consideration.
“I have received your petition and will forward it to the responsible offices. We will soon engage all relevant stakeholders to discuss the matter and determine the appropriate course of action,” said Bulukutu.
Members of the Mhalaunda Citizens Forum say they remain hopeful that the government will act swiftly within the 21-day period to ensure that Mhalaunda Health Centre is restored to its intended role as a
