Patients and guardians in Ward 5B at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (Qech) in Blantyre yesterday had a pleasant surprise when consultant surgeon Kondwani Chalulu treated them to a sumptuous lunch.
The gesture marked a celebration of Chalulu’s milestone of clocking 30 years in the medical field and serving at the country’s main referral centre
During the occasion, representatives of staff and patients hailed the long-serving medical doctor, who is one of the five breast cancer surgeons in the country, for tirelessly serving patients and mentoring fellow healthcare professionals.
One of Chalulu’s colleagues, consultant surgeon Pallesa Chisala Chabonya, said she has learnt a lot having worked with him for a long time.
She said: “I started working with him as an intern. We were consultants. He taught me a lot and he has nice teaching approaches. I still consult him because of his warm approach and a good working relationship.”
Qech matron Gloria Kamoto praised Chalulu for his dedication to the facility, saying she has worked with him for the past 11 years.
“Dr Chalulu is an inspiration and a mentor to many young medical professionals who come to train at this facility,” she said.
In his remarks, Chalulu recalled how the medical landscape has evolved over the years.
He said he is satisfied with his three-decade journey, although it was demanding “it was also very rewarding”.
Said Chalulu: “The time I started practising, there were a few doctors, probably 10 to 15 nationwide and we were required to treat every patient. It was very demanding, but the passion to save lives kept me going.”
The surgeon, who began his career on February 10 1995, has worked in various hospitals but says he likes to serve the public the central hospitals.
“The public sector gives me the satisfaction that I need. When I see my patient getting better and they go home without complications, that gives me so much satisfaction,” said Chalulu.
He thanked his colleagues and his wife, Wilma, for making his medical journey smooth over the past 30 years.
“My journey has been satisfying, especially when I meet patients I have treated and they remember me and acknowledge the work I have done, it is so satisfying,” the doctor said, smiling.
