The Patriots have donated assorted medical supplies and equipment worth K2.8 billion to Mzimba District Hospital to enhance its efforts to deliver quality services.
The items include beds, diagnostic tools (X-ray and ultrasound machines), mattresses, surgical kits and instruments, maternity and emergency care equipment.
Speaking on Tuesday during the handover, The Patriots board chairperson Kamuzu Chibambo said the initiative is one way of ensuring that people get access to healthcare services.
He said: “This initiative is supported by our partners in the United States of America called Project Cure and Islamic Relief, to empower district hospitals with items that can enhance healthcare service delivery.
“So, today we are making the donation here in Mzimba and our expectation is that these items will be used at the district hospital and other public health facilities in the communities. We do not want to hear reports that these items have ended up at a private clinic.”
On his part, Mzimba South director of health and social services Prince Chirwa said the items will help in reducing maternal deaths in the district and boost primary healthcare.
“From January to September this year, we have recorded seven maternal-related deaths due to lack of essential equipment in our maternity unit,” he said.
Chirwa assured the Patriots and people in Mzimba that they will take care of the equipment.
The Patriots comprise Malawians within and in diaspora who raise medical equipment to donate to health facilities in the country.
