The Indian Government has handed over an artificial limb fitment centre at Zomba Central Hospital and 1 000 artificial limbs worth about $1 million (about K1.7 billion) to the Ministry of Health.
Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, in her vote of thanks in Lilongwe yesterday, said the donation is a step towards universal health coverage.
handover. | Courtesy of Indian High Commission
“Artificial limbs are very costly to get. However, a number of people whose limbs were amputated live a difficult life, so giving them free artificial limbs is like breathing a new life in them,” she said.
The minister said Malawi was grateful to India for its continued support to the health sector with resources and capacity building of health workers to enable them offer quality services.
Chiponda said with the increasing rate of accidents in the country, cases of limb amputation are high; hence, the need to have a centre of excellence such as the one handed over yesterday.
In his remarks, Indian High Commissioner Subbiah Gopalakrishnan said the collaboration in the health sector between Malawi and India has saved many lives through different programmes.
“We are very excited to be a partner and we will continue with this relationship with the government of Malawi through the Ministry of Health. Soon a container of artificial limbs will arrive,” he said.
Doctors from India recently visited Malawi where they held health camps and supported many people who are now living a better life.
