UK provides £4m for pharmacy storage units
United Kingdom (UK) has provided an extra £4 million (approximately MWK4 billion) to further boost essential service delivery and strengthen the health system through the provision of 74 new pre-fabricated pharmacy storage units in Malawi health facilities.
The visiting UK minister, James Wharton, made the announcement on Friday when he visited Mitundu Community Hospital in Lilongwe to highlight UK’s support in strengthening Malawi’s health care system.
A 2014 United States Aid for International Development (Usaid) assessment found that 77 percent of Malawi health facilities have less than half of the pharmacy storage space required to meet current demands.
Wharton expressed optimism that the temperature-controlled storage facilities will reduce the deterioration of medical supplies and help prevent theft.
Wharton is the first post-Brexit UK Government minister to visit to Malawi from 9 to 11 November 2016.
He said: “It’s delightful that we are able to implement this activity in partnership with the United States (US) Government. Collaboration of this kind makes our collective efforts go further.
“On behalf of the UK, I would like to commend the professionalism and collegiality of both the US and Ministry of Health in implementing this activity.”
British High Commission Communications Officer Benson Linje said the storage units are modular, pharmacy grade structures with temperature control, and can be installed within 1-2 days on a concrete slab.
Linje further disclosed that the facilities are low maintenance, last for 15-20 years, and cost approximately 65 of conventional construction.
