Malawi resume talks with Libya on Blantyre Hospital, claims VP
Malawi government says it has resumed talks with Libyan government on the construction of a district hospital to be built at Kameza in Blantyre.
Malawi set up diplomatic ties with Libya government in 2001 during the reign of former President Bakili Muluzi, who often said Malawi would benefit from co-operation with Libya.
Late Colonel Muarmar Ghaddafi pledged the 300-bed hospital when he visited the country in 2002. A foundation stone was laid at the site.
Libya also promised five Doctors to man different Departments of the hospital and that they would manage the hospital for a year before handing over completely to Malawi Government.
But the project stalled when Muluzi left office in 2004 at the end of two five-year terms. Late Bingu wa Mutharika administration also cut diplomatic ties with Libya.
“The discussions stopped but now with the change of regime in the country discussions have resumed. The site is still in Libyan hands,” Malawi Vice President Khumbo Kachali who is also Minister of Health told the National Assembly.
Kachali made the comment when he was answering a question from Member of Parliament for Blantyre Kabula, Felix Njawala on Tuesday who asked government to consider constructing a District Hospital in Blantyre since Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) is currently burdened as a referral Hospital.
“QECH caters for almost half a million which is not fair for the health workers at the hospital, please decongest it, “pleaded Njawala.
Kachali said his Ministry is aware of the issue that Blantyre needs a District Hospital, but there are a numbers of issues which needs to be tackled.
He further said that Malawi government signed an agreement with Libya government to construct a district hospital in Blantyre.
