Doctor brings relief to patients on dialysis

Patients on dialysis at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe can afford a smile following free surgical procedures offered by cardio-vascular surgeon Zhang Hong.

Through the surgical procedures, Hong, who has been working at the hospital for a year as part of the Chinese Medical Team, constructs ultra-venous fistula on dialysis patients to enable them access the dialysis machine without risking infections and other bio-hazards.

Normally, kidney patients in need of dialysis at KCH get their blood system connected to dialysis machines using catheters, a procedure which exposes them to infections and other bio-hazards.

Those that can afford to part with at least K1.5 million are referred to Mwaiwathu Private Hospital in Blantyre where they get the construction of ultra-venous fistula done.

Although Hong has been in the country for a year, it was only three months ago that his skill was known.

KCH hospital director Jonathan Ngoma has hailed Hong’s support, it avails a good service to patients for free.

“As a hospital, we are pleased that Dr Hong has been conducting these special procedures to our patients. We wish we knew about his skill earlier, that way more patients would have been helped,” he said.

In an interview, Hong, who is leaving this month, said he was pleased to be of service, adding that he will be leaving with good memories of Malawi.

“I am pleased that I was able to make a difference. My stay in Malawi will be memorable because of how we were received and cared for as a team,” he said.

KCH head of Dialysis Unit Charles Munthali said the procedure that Hong was performing is good and the knowledge he shared will continue to make a difference to patients.