Two GeneXpert machines used for testing tuberculosis (TB) and HIV at Machinga District Hospital have gone missing.
The machines, whose combined value is estimated at between K50 million and K60 million, are used in early diagnosis and treatment of TB and HIV.
They were discovered missing from the hospital laboratory on Tuesday morning.
The hospital’s spokesperson Wongani Nyirenda confirmed the development in an interview on Tuesday, saying the facility has since launched an investigation in collaboration with the police.
“These machines were very reliable and their absence is already affecting service delivery. We hope the equipment will be recovered soon,” he said.
Nyirenda said the machines were among the three that were available at the hospital and were
essential for producing accurate and timely test results.
The incident comes weeks after Nsanje District Hospital also reported theft of similar diagnostic equipment under similar circumstances.
Meanwhile, police in Liwonde say they have arrested three suspects believed to be connected to the theft.
Although their identities have not been revealed, Liwonde Police Station spokesperson Ngwashape Nsume confirmed the arrests and said the suspects are in custody.
However, a source close to the matter has alleged that the suspects are hospital employees who were on night duty in the laboratory when the machines went missing.
Machinga Civil Society Network chairperson Belinda Chimombo condemned the act, describing it as a major setback in the fight against TB and HIV in the district.
“This is a serious blow to public health service delivery and we will not rest until those responsible are held accountable,” she said.
