Minister of Health Jappie Mhango, on Friday said government plans to construct 250 health facilities across the country from which some will be constructed in places such as Tchalo in Rumphi.

Mhango said this when he accompanied  Vice President Everton Chimulirenji on a trip to Tchalo and Mlowe Communities in Rumphi East Constituency to visit people affected by floods this year.

At Tchalo, Sub-Traditional Authority Chapinduka said the absence of a government hospital is marginalizing people in his area, especially those that cannot pay health services at Tchalo Mission Hospital.

He also pleaded with Chimulirenji on construction of the Chikwina-Mlowe Road. “We need a government hospital for the poor masses who cannot pay health services elsewhere,” he said.

At Mlowe, Traditional Authority Mwamlowe also asked government to construct a health facility as people walk a long distances to a nearby health centre.

“I will ensure that people here also get a facility so that they access health services nearby,” he said.

On his part, Chimulirenji assured the people that government will construct the Chikwina-Mlowe Road, as it is already planned

The Veep also distributed bags of maize and iron sheets as part of the recovery process.