By Cedric Nkungula
Malawi’s First Lady Madame Monica Chakwera through her Shape Our Future Foundation (SOFF) on Friday donated various medical equipment and supplies to Ntchisi District Hospital.
The donated items include, povidone iodine, fetal heart beat detectors, medical oxygen generator and concentrator, portable sputum aspirator, portable high pressure sterilizers, body scales, health care box and medical beds donated to SOFF by Chinese Embassy last year.
In her remarks after making the presentation, Madame Chakwera emphasized that everyone has to get involved in addressing various challenges rocking our country in order to develop as a nation.
“When we work together, we can achieve more from whatever resources are available. Malawi needs all of us to make our individual contributions in order for us develop as a nation,” she said.
She then advised the hospital authorities to ensure that the donated medical equipment and supplies is put to good use.
“I would like to urge you to ensure that the medical equipment and supplies being donated today are put to the intended use and not be found in a private clinic somewhere. When donations like these are utilized properly, it gives confidence to the well-wishers who support us to continue giving,” said Madame Chakwera
Speaking earlier, Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda thanked the first lady for her efforts in mitigating the shortage of medical equipment and supplies being faced at the hospital.
Chiponda said government is also spending sleepless nights in ensuring that hospital facilities countrywide have adequate drugs.
“Government gave my ministry K12.5 billion to procur be drugs and some of these drugs have started arriving in the country. Government also allocated 4 billion to rehabilitate hospitals and Ntchisi is also a beneficiary,” she said.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health Bestone Chisamile promised that the donated items will be put to good use.
Member of Parliament for the area Ulemu Chilapondwa applauded Madame Chakwera for opting to donate the items to Ntchisi District Hospital.
“This donation is timely. It will go a long way towards alleviating problems being faced by the people of Ntchisi,” he said.
Chilapondwa also asked government to help address water problems at the facility. He also asked government to assist in reducing congestion at the maternity ward.
Taking his turn, Senior Chief Kalumo asked government to consider allocating more health personnel to the facility.
“We are also in dire need an of an ambulance,” said the senior chief