By Burnett Munthali
Government medical facilities are designed to offer crucial healthcare services to the public and provide temporary parking for those seeking medical attention. However, Kawale Community Hospital in Lilongwe has recently been observed functioning as a public car park rather than focusing on its primary health-related duties.
Photographic evidence shows that vehicles, including taxis and personal cars, have been left at the hospital for extended periods. Some vehicles have been parked at the hospital for months, turning the facility into what appears to be a car storage area or even a makeshift mechanic’s garage. In addition to these long-term parkers, cars and minibuses are seen arriving every evening and leaving each morning.
Adding to the concern, some security guards at the hospital have been spotted cleaning these vehicles early in the morning before their departure, giving the appearance of a car wash operation. This misuse of hospital grounds is both unprofessional and alarming, reflecting poorly on the management and operational standards of the facility.
This situation raises significant questions about accountability. The responsibility for this misuse falls on multiple parties, including the hospital’s management, local government officials, and the Ministry of Health. Immediate action is needed to address this issue, restore the hospital’s primary function, and ensure that the facility is used appropriately for healthcare services.
