Chikwawa youths bemoan poor health service delivery
Some youths under Senior Chief Ngabu in Chikwawa District have complained of poor health service delivery in some health facilities in the district.
The youth made the remarks on Monday during an interface meeting at Aonenji Motel in the district where they also took a swipe at Chikwawa health officials for shunning the meeting which was organized by the Centre for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR).
The meeting was graced by the district’s National Initiative for Civic Education (NICE) Coordinator, Josephy Chamambala, and Councilor for Mikalango Ward, Betason Tito as well as a representative from the District Youth Office.
“We would have loved if the health office officials were here attending to some questions that we reserved for them. As youths in the district, we are facing challenges in as far as delivery of health services is concerned,” complained, Andrew Malwimia.
He cited privacy as one of the major challenges, saying despite the district having youth friendly health services, some health workers deliberately embarrass the youth who seek medical attention when infected with sexually transmitted infections by shouting at them.
Taking her turn, Joyce Nazilini, another youth, said Ngabu Rural Hospital is facing erratic supply of drugs and medical equipment like gloves and drips to the extent that every time patients go to the facility for treatment, they are asked to go and buy the products at private facilities.
On his part, CHRR’s Chikwawa District Coordinator, Titani Imaan, said the interface meeting was organized to bring duty bearers close to the youth so that they respond to issues that affect them, especially on Sexual Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) under the Get Up Speak Out (GUSO) Project which they are implementing in the district.
He said the absence of health officials at the meeting affected deliberations because they could have noted the youth’s concerns and tried to rectify some of them.
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