Malawi commemorates world patients’ day amid drug shortage
On Monday February 11 Malawi commemorated the world patients’ day where different religious organisations conducted prayers as well as cheered the sick.
The event which happened at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe was organized by the Interdenominational Pastoral Care Centre (IPCC).
Speaking during the commemorations of the day of the sick, Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Health Dr Charles Mwansambo said the day and the prayers were significant for the sick do not only require medical healing but rather require spiritual healing as well.
“Patients do not only need medical healing, but rather require medical as well as spiritual and pastoral healing. With the prayers that have been conducted here, the patients lives have been uplifted so that they should never get worried but rather have faith that God is still with them,” explained Mwansambo.
Dr. Mwansambo also took time to thank all the people who contributed to the donation of the food stuffs at the hospital.
“Let me thank all who have contributed in cash, kind or material so that this event is effectively done.
“And to the IPCC, the ministry wishes you all the best in your daily pastoral care services,” he said.
In an interview to the Director of Kamuzu Central Hospital Noor Alide said the day was significant to them as they deal with patients.
“First and foremost hospital is for the patients and our mandate as staff of this hospital is to provide care to the sick, and to have a day for the sick goes in line with our mandate,” Alide said adding that the situation of drug shortage has improved since the time they had a meeting with the President Dr. Banda.
“The situation of drug shortage has tremendously changed since we had a meeting with the President.
“Government has given us money in order for us to purchase the drugs, and the drugs are in the country,” he revealed.
The day was being commemorated under the theme of ‘Go and Do Likewise.’ During the functions, some patients at both Kamuzu Central Hospital and Bwaila were given food stuffs which ranged from sugar, orange squash, and some washing tablets.
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