To be or not to be a doctor

Let me start by saying two things. One, I feel disappointed that the President is yet to declare her assets. The more she “hides” how much she is worth, the more I get suspicious of her intentions.

Secondly, I am disappointed that the guard houses I have been referring to at Sanjika Palace continue to be in a deplorable state. I have always said that these guard houses needed repair several months ago. As I write this, nothing has been done.

Thirdly, I would like to add that there has been a leaking tap at the first check-point for Sanjika. That tap has been leaking water since the Bakili Muluzi time. It is leaking as I am writing this article. Now let me suggest; how can we entrust the occupants of Sanjika with the affairs of the country when they cannot manage to keep the assets we have loaned them in good shape? There is always a budget for state residences. These budgets are fat. Yet, we have a leaking tap for over a decade and the guard house is in poor shape. And then we hear: “My priority is this and that?” Let the President’s priority be fixing the leaking tap and repairing the guard houses. Then she can have the moral right to speak about anything else.

Despite my grave disappointment with the President, let me congratulate her and the First Gentleman on the graduation of her daughter with degrees of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of Malawi. We all heard this on the graduation day when the President said she was an excited parent just like the rest of the parents. Well done Madam President and well done Chief Justice Richard Banda (retired), SC.

Madam President, my word of advice to you and to your doctor daughter is that she does not join the epidemic that is in town now when clinicians (doctors, clinical officers and medical assistants) are placing their stethoscopes on the rear-view mirrors of their cars as they drive in town. I find such a practice not fitting the noble profession of doctors and other clinicians. The practice, as far as I can tell, is childish and uncalled for. Madam President, it is not that I am jealous or do not wish the doctors well. But I find that one does not have to scream and tell all who can sing and listen that I am a medic. Congratulations once again to Dr X.Y. Z Banda.

Madam President, I doubt if the Honourable Anita Kalinde has told you this yet. When you were in Brussels, she went visiting people in Salima where she met a girl called Margret. Her story was touching. But that is not my point Madam. My point is that Honourable Kalinde promised that she will arrange a meeting between you and Margret and the other girls from Salima. I am saying this because I am a victim of unfulfilled promises. President Mutharika invited the alumni of H.H.I schools to Sanjika when we had the centenary about two years ago. That Sanjika meeting never occurred and we all know, will never happen.