Immediate past Vice-President Michael Usi has called for collective action to address challenges facing the country’s health sector, saying government alone cannot resolve them.
He made the call on Christmas Day when he cheered patients at Mitundu Community Hospital in Lilongwe where he observed overcrowding of patients and shortage of beds, particularly in the maternity ward.
Usi said expectant mothers were sharing beds while others slept on the floor, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“These problems require the private sector and other stakeholders to assist government for patients to receive better services,” he said.
Hospital. |George Singini
Usi pledged to engage his friends and colleagues to mobilise resources to help ease the hospital’s challenges, although he did not disclose the nature of the assistance.
The former Vice-President distributed money to some patients during the visit, but denied that the gesture was meant to reposition himself ahead of the 2030 election, saying giving has always been part of his life and was rooted in Christian values.
“The principle is simple: What have I done for someone who needs my help?” he said.
Mitundu Community Hospital medical technician Danford Chilambula confirmed the hospital faces an acute shortage of beds, forcing patients to share or sleep on the floor.
“This is not healthy and puts lives at risk as patients can contract other diseases,” he said.
Chilambula also cited staff shortages at the facility, which serves an estimated population of 600 000 people.
