Floja Foundation has renovated a non-communicable diseases (NCDs) clinic at Nyungwe health centre, a move that has been commended by Senior Chief Mwirang’ombe of Karonga district.
The renovated clinic, which cost K2.4 million, aims to provide easier access to NCD screening and treatment for patients who previously had to travel long distances to Karonga District hospital.
“We thank Floja Foundation for this kind gesture, the facility will help to serve and save patients who used to travel between 45 and 50 kilometres to Karonga district hospital for NCD screening and medical attention,” said Senior Chief Mwirang’ombe.
The clinic has already registered 438 NCD clients in just three months and three weeks, according to Karonga District NCD coordinator Luckson Chiphiko.
“The clinic has bridged the gap that was there between clients and health service providers, the facility has come with machines and monthly provision of drugs”, he said.
Floja Foundation executive director Colette Van Eck, an NCD nurse herself, expressed her commitment to helping the government achieve universal health coverage.
“We are providing NCD drugs so that those screened should get treatment to reduce NCD deaths, according to the World Health Organisation, 42 percent of deaths in Malawi are due to NCDs,” she said.
The clinic has also received donations of medical equipment, including two high blood pressure meters, two glucose meters, and furniture. While the construction of a standalone NCD clinic is being considered, it depends on the availability of funds from donors in the Netherlands.
For patients like Esther Munthali, aged 68, the renovated clinic has been a lifesaver. She had stopped going to Karonga District hospital for NCD clinic due to long distance and transport challenges but has now resumed her BP treatment.
