The facility's Health Advisory Committee, Vice Chairperson, Bostala Zuze told Zodiak Online that at the moment, health service delivery has been compromised claiming the hospital is using torches which the committee procured recently.

"We reported the issue to Escom after their transformer developed a fault. But for three months now, nothing has been done to rectify the problem," he said.

Zuze says medics are now cornered as they are using torches at night to attend to expectant mothers while delivering.

Ntcheu District Health Office Spokesperson Stella Kawalala claims her office was not notified of the problem.

"Our office will provide a backup power generator to at least lessen current challenges at the facility while following up the issue with Escom," she said.

Escom officials were not immediately available for comment on the matter.

Biriwiri Health Centre which lies along the Malawi-Mozambique border in Ntcheu serves a catchment population of 17, 867 people.