ASSESSING CHALLENGES AFFECTING HEALTH SERVICE DELIVERY IN ENEYA AREA OF NTCHEU DISTRICT, MALAWI

Health service delivery is a fundamental pillar of a functional health system and plays a critical role in improving population health outcomes. Despite sustained efforts by governments and development partners to strengthen healthcare systems, many health facilities continue to face persistent challenges that undermine the effectiveness, accessibility, and quality of services provided to communities. This study aimed to assess the key challenges affecting health service delivery, with a particular focus on identifying systemic, institutional, and socio-economic factors that limit access to quality healthcare services.

The study adopted a qualitative research approach to gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges encountered in health service delivery. Data were collected through interviews with health workers and relevant stakeholders, complemented by a review of key documents related to health service provision. This approach enabled the study to capture firsthand experiences, institutional perspectives, and contextual factors influencing the performance of health services.

The findings revealed that inadequate funding remains a major constraint affecting health service delivery, limiting the ability of health facilities to procure essential medical supplies, maintain infrastructure, and support service expansion. A critical shortage of trained health personnel was also identified, resulting in high patient–provider ratios that place excessive workloads on existing staff and negatively affect the quality of care. Insufficient medical supplies and equipment further compromise service delivery, often leading to delays in treatment and reduced capacity to manage health conditions effectively. Poor infrastructure, including inadequate buildings, limited space, and unreliable utilities, was found to hinder both service provision and patient comfort.

In addition to these structural challenges, administrative inefficiencies were identified as significant barriers to effective health service delivery. Weak management systems, delayed decision-making processes, and limited supervision reduce operational efficiency within health facilities. Furthermore, limited community awareness regarding available health services and preventive health practices was found to restrict service utilization and engagement, thereby affecting overall health outcomes.

The study concludes that improving health service delivery requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach that addresses both resource and management-related challenges. Key recommendations include increasing investment in the health sector, strengthening human resource capacity through training and recruitment, improving health facility infrastructure, and enhancing management systems and policy implementation. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights for policymakers, health administrators, and other stakeholders in developing evidence-based strategies aimed at strengthening health service delivery and improving access to quality healthcare services.