UNC help lessen KCH drug crisis

Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) deputy director Mabel Chinkhata has said the medical drugs the hospital has received from the University of North Carolina (UNC) will enable it to assist some patients get the much-needed treatment.

Speaking on Friday after receiving the drugs worth about K3 million (about $7 500) Chinkhata said the hospital still faces drug shortage since the facility does not get all the drugs it requires from the Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST).

“We are still having some drug problems. Most of the specialised drugs are sometimes not available at the trust because of expenses,” said Chinkhata.

She added: “Thus the donation will assist the hospital to provide services to patients that have been in need of such kinds of treatment that could not be obtained at the CMST.”

UNC obstetrics and gynaecology surgeon associate professor Jeff Wilkinson said the academy decided to donate the drugs to KCH because of the relationship that exists between the two institutions.

UNC country director Francis Mattinson said the university also donated medical supplies at the hospital five years ago.