First Lady donates medical equipment

First Lady Monica Chakwera says resourcing healthcare facilities is key to improving the health sector in the country.

Speaking on Thursday when she donated medical equipment, food and non-food items to Kabudula Community Hospital in Lilongwe, Chakwera acknowledged a myriad challenges being faced by the health sector in the country.

Said the First Lady: “Many health facilities are facing challenges such as congestion. As a result, they are unable to accommodate more patients. Most of these health facilities are also understaffed, hindering the proper delivery of services.”

Chakwera, who was accompanied by former Liberia vice-president Jewel Taylor, also toured the facility’s Out Patient Department, the General Ward and Paediatric Ward to cheer the sick.

The donated items included 10 high-tech hospital beds, three wheelchairs, high blood pressure monitors, ventilators, desks and chairs, cotton wool, gauze, plaster, buckets, maize flour and other items.

Lilongwe North-West legislator Mphatso Boti (Malawi Congress Party)  in whose constituency the health facility falls, said Kabudula Community Hospital serves about 80 000 people from surrounding areas, but is understaffed.

Meanwhile, the First Lady said she intends to donate medical supplies to more health facilities across the country as well wishers continue to support her initiative.