Round Table Dwangwa renovates mortuary

Round Table Dwangwa 69 has renovated a mortuary at Dwambazi Rural Hospital in Nkhotakota District.

Speaking on Saturday after the handover, the hospital’s in-charge Sam Mwamtobe said the facility serves a population of 40 000 people from Nkhotakota and Nkhata Bay.

He thanked the tablers for the initiative, saying the hospital is 101 kilometres (km) away from Nkhotakota and 103km away from Nkhata Bay where there are referral hospitals with mortuary facilities.

Said Mwamtobe: “The hospital has run without a mortuary for decades since its establishment in 1972. The surrounding communities were forced to bury their loved ones as soon as they died as there was no option for a cold room.

“The situation was sad because we prepared and kept dead bodies in wards in the presence of patients.”

Mwamtobe asked well-wishers to help the hospital with a standard laboratory and mortuary guardroom.

Round Table Dwangwa 69 chairperson Dyson Mpeketula commended the good relationship they have with Nkhotakota District Council.

“We repaired the old cold room by installing a new compressor and connecting electricity to the structure. The cost of refurbishment and repairs was K4 million,” he said.

Ethanol Company Limited (Ethco) chief executive officer Lusubilo Chakaniza, who was the guest of honour, advised the hospital staff to take good care of the mortuary.

Speaking on behalf of Nkhotakota District Health Office, Robert Banda said they will address the shortage of staff at the facility after the recruitment process is done.

The partners that assisted Round Table Dwangwa 69 include Illovo Sugar (Malawi) plc Dwangwa Estate, Ethco, Dwasco Sacco, Intersaf Limited, Old Mutual Malawi plc, Vanguard Life Assurance, Dwangwa Lions  Club and A and M Refrigeration and Engineering Foundation for Change.