Parliamentary Committee Expresses Concern over Unhygienic Conditions at Machinga District Hospital’s Cholera Unit

A parliamentary committee on health workers has expressed concern over the unhygienic conditions at the cholera treatment unit of the Machinga district hospital.

The committee’s chairperson, Dr. Matthews Ngwale, said that these conditions could contribute to the further spread of the outbreak in the district.

According to Dr. Ngwale, the committee decided to inspect the hospital after noting a surge in cholera cases.

“This district has been hit hard with the pandemic, and upon our coming here to monitor the situation, we must say we are disappointed that hygiene matters are not being taken seriously,” said Dr. Ngwale.

Machinga District Commissioner Lucia Chidalengwa said that authorities in the district have been asked to participate in the cleaning up exercise.

Machinga District Hospital has registered 651 cases of cholera, with 30 casualties. Currently, 67 people have been admitted to the Cholera Treatment Unit.