Residents of Mhalaunda are turning up the pressure on Embangweni Mission Hospital, warning that the countdown to surrendering the community’s health centre has entered its final month.
The Mhalaunda Citizens Forum has issued a final reminder notice to Embangweni Mission Hospital and the CCAP Livingstonia Synod, urging them to start winding up operations and prepare for the handover of Mhalaunda Health Centre to the local community.
The forum says only 30 days remain before the expiry of the 90-day eviction notice it served on the hospital on April 13, 2026, insisting that no further extensions will be granted.
In a letter signed by the forum’s chairperson, John Chirwa, the community body stated that the notice serves as a final call for the hospital and church authorities to facilitate a smooth transition of the facility to community management.
According to the forum, the reminder is intended to prevent any disruption in healthcare service delivery once the deadline expires.
“With only 30 days remaining on the clock, this letter serves as a final reminder to consider a smooth operational winding up process and possible handover arrangements, so that at no point should we find ourselves in a service vacuum due to avoidable neglect,” reads part of the letter.
The Mhalaunda Citizens Forum expressed concern that any delays in the handover process could negatively affect access to healthcare services for people who depend on the facility.
The forum further emphasized the need for cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure that the transition is conducted in an orderly and responsible manner.
While maintaining its position on the handover, the forum acknowledged its longstanding relationship with Embangweni Mission Hospital and the Livingstonia Synod and expressed hope for continued collaboration during the final stages of the process.
The notice effectively gives Embangweni Mission Hospital a final 30-day period to complete preparations for handing over the health centre to the community.
Meanwhile, Embangweni Mission Hospital Administrator Weston Kadwa has acknowledged receipt of the notice by signing the dispatch letter.
Malawi24 understands that a team led by Mzimba District Commissioner Emmanuel Bulukutu is expected to visit Mhalaunda to meet community members and other stakeholders in an effort to find an amicable resolution to the matter.
Embangweni Mission hospital and the CCAP Livingstonia Synod General Secretary Rev William Tembo acknowledge that they don’t own Mhalaunda health centre.
