National Registration Bureau (NRB), in partnership with Ministry of Health, has introduced compulsory death registration in four health facilities of Mulanje.

The facilities are Mulanje District Hospital, Mulanje Mission Hospital, Chonde Health Centre and Mpala Health Centre which will be issuing death certificates as a pilot phase which will be rolled out in 21 districts.

In a presentation during a full council meeting on Wednesday NRB Principal Registration Officer, Masauko Musa, said the Bureau is mandated to keep a National Register of all deaths occurring in the country hence important for the country to have an update of its population.

“The Act and regulations mandate qualified clinicians to certify deaths and ascertain cause of death occurring in health facilities,” he explained.

NRB Director, Noel Chikungu, said the Bureau has been issuing identification and birth registration cards and now they are expecting to provide death certificates in the country.

“Death registration will help government know how many people are alive in the country and will enable spouses, children and relatives of the deceased person claim inheritance such as land rights, and pensions among others,” Chikungu said.

Director for Queen Elizabeth Central hospital (QECH), Dr Samson Mndolo, said the initiative would help Ministry of Health make assessments on causes of deaths thereby assisting the Ministry make recommendations to government on interventions in time where need be.

The issuing process of death certificates is expected to be fully launched in all health facilities in the country by December this year.