Injections stop injunctions
Two social football matches organised in aid of Mangochi District Hospital (MDH), which was recently gutted by fire, have raised more than K1.5 million.
The matches, which involved lawyers and doctors, were jointly organised by the Malawi Law Society (MLS) and the Society of Medical Doctors Malawi (SMDM) and were played in Lilongwe and Blantyre
The doctors came out triumphant in both matches, having won 5-4 in Lilongwe and 6-3 in Blantyre.
On the other hand, Blantyre-based female lawyers reigned supreme over doctors as they won 20-9 in netball while in Lilongwe the game ended 14-14.
MLS Socials football team captain Trouble Kalua reaffirmed their promise to help MDH.
“When they approached us, we were greatly honoured and we had to join the noble cause. We felt it was a brilliant idea and we are fully committed to helping the doctors raise as much funds as possible and we know that one event is not enough to meet the target,” he said.
Commenting on the loss, Kalua on a lighter note said: “We didn’t really lose, we got a restraining order that we shouldn’t really embarrass them as this was their show. So at 5 – 4 we got an order from the Chief Justice not to score more goals. So this is a tactical legal withdraw.”
In an interview, SMDM president Amos Nyaka said more activities haven been lined up to raise funds that can meet the basic requirements of the hospital.
“The motivation was two-fold; some doctors and lawyers sat down and thought of organising the football match. However, bearing in mind the Mangochi incident, we worked out something that can help us generate funds and that is how we came up with the fundraising idea.
“So, the funds were generated through participation in the games, food that was sold as well as the kids’ section. Added to that, we have reached out to colleges to join the cause. In Lilongwe, about K1.5 million was raised while we are yet to get the total sum for Blantyre,” he said.
Nyaka said the objective is to provide the hospital with a starter-pack as the total cost of the damage is in excess of K330 million.
“But for them to just get started, they need essential equipment for the paediatric ward that costs about K10 million and that was our target. So, we will hold other activities,” he said.
Mangochi distict health officer (DHO) Dr. Henry Chibowa Jnr said the fundraising events would help MDH to repair the damage.
“The building was being used to offer services to under-five children as well as pregnant women. We lost a lot of equipment in the building. So, the fundraising drive will help us repair the damaged building. The next phase is for the organising committee to approach the corporate world for assistance,” he said. n
