What is Room 3?
It’s where our community come to see a medical practitioner. Once a week and free at the point of contact. Don’t forget your medical card.
Why is it called Room 3?
In Mzimba Hospital, Room 3 is the room where patients are seen in confidence. We wanted our community to feel safe and confident in coming and to have a place where they can be examined with dignity and privacy.
Why do we need Room 3?
Most the villagers only ever go to the hospital if they are very ill or dying as it is too expensive to get there and there are limited medicines available. Some members of the community have never seen a medical practitioner.
What happens in Room 3?
Since November 2018, the community have visited the CBO on Sunday mornings and consulted with a range of qualified practitioners. We offer advice and support on minor ailments as well as providing early diagnosis of more serious conditions. We refer on to clinics and hospitals when appropriate.
Many people walk a long way to access this service- some for hours. The arrival of the CBO transport this year changed everything! It’s there for hospital transfers and emergencies and as a service to the elderly and those who have mobility problems.
Everyone waits patiently to be seen and, in true community style, they eat well while they wait! Tea and a bun, nsima if it’s a busy day! Where else would you ever get fed in the waiting room? 😎
Waiting for Room 3 clinic to open
Room 3- is it a concept or a building?
The answer is – it’s both!
In 2018, it started as an idea- and we were very creative! We used the CBO buildings and the nursery school because we had nothing else.
But we knew it was woefully inadequate! It was in the wrong place, other members needed to use the buildings and there was a lack of private consultation rooms and medical storage.
The CBO members wanted to do something about this. We needed a clinic building and in 2019, they decided to mould and fire the bricks and start the building process themselves!!!
What happened next was a bit of a miracle. We have developed good relationships with our local building suppliers over the past 6 years. When they saw our plans for Room 3,they provided the goods on account. We are paying off the bill as and when we can raise the money.
There has been a huge growth in trust around Room 3. Trust in the CBO, trust in the medics, trust in the local businesses and trust in ourselves. Long may it continue. 🌱
How can I help?
Visit the Get Involved page for more details.
