Nurses decry lack of medical supplies
The Association of Malawian Midwives (Amami) and National Organisation of Nurses and Midwives in Malawi (Nonm) have expressed frustrations over the shortage of medical supplies in some of the country’s health facilities.
The two representative bodies have expressed their misgivings in a joint statement dated November 4 2022 signed by Nonm president Shouts Simenza and Amami president Keith Lipato.
Their frustrations come against a background of continued lack of medical supplies, essential medical drugs and equipment in some of the country’s public health facilities which has affected service delivery.
They have described the situation as pathetic, especially considering that responsible authorities have decided to paint a rosy picture as if everything is well in the public health facilities.
The statement also decries the prevailing fuel shortages and intermittent power outages as huge challenges to the health sector.
Reads part of the statement: “A few weeks ago, it was reported that a woman from Mitundu died just after giving birth when power went out and she bled to death.
“The Mitundu case is just one of the many other women in the country who are feeling the effects of fuel and electricity challenges as well as supplies and non-functioning equipment when accessing health services.”
The Nation edition of October 6 2022 reported that a newborn baby’s mother died in Mitundu after power went out as medics attended to her heavy bleeding and back-up power failed.
The 32-year-old woman, Tereza Ziyasi, had been admitted at Mitundu Community Hospital on the outskirts of Lilongwe.
Last week, Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe also suspended services in its labour ward and theatre due to lack of supplies for maternal health services.
In the joint statement, the two organisations have said the Bwaila Hospital situation reflected what is happening in other health facilities across the country and it needs to be addressed immediately.
The joint statement points out that the situation is making it impossible for nurses and midwives to discharge their duties despite possessing relevant knowledge, skills and manpower and to assist Malawians in need, in particular mothers, babies and children.
According to the statement, nurses and midwives are unable to resuscitate patients that need oxygen therapy, professionally conduct deliveries in labour wards, send mothers to operating theatres for timely caesarian sections and timely refer patients, including mothers from one facility to another, among others.
In view of such challenges, the statement asks relevant authorities to put measures in place to ensure that no lives are lost due to lack of supplies, fuel shortages or prolonged blackouts.
Reads the statement: “We shall hold into account all duty-bearers that are responsible on ensuring that necessary and basic essential commodities are available to prevent further careless loss of lives in the country.
“Health facilities like Bwaila should not be suspended or closed because someone is not doing their job. Any life lost is a great loss not only to the family but also to the society as we continue to lose productive citizens.”
But Ministry of Health Principal Secretary Dr Charles Mwansambo said in a statement on Thursday that the government is ensuring availability of adequate medical drugs and other medical supplies in all the health facilities across the country.
