No CD4 count machine at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital
There is no CD4 count machine at Malawi’s referral hospital Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in commercial capital Blantyre, a situation which has become a thorn-in-the-flesh as far as the management of HIV positive patients is concerned, Queens chief administrator Themba Mhango has confessed.
But Mhango was quick to mention that the machine, which has been off for some time now, is undergoing repairs and will soon be operational.
“The engineers will be through with repairs by end of this week,” said Mhango.
The machine is apparently used in determining the initiation of anti-retroviral drugs amongst people living with HIV/AIDS.
Mhango said in the absence of the machine they are using a back up machine BD Facs count.
“But its capacity is limited,” he confessed.
He added: “We are also referring blood sample to other sorrounding health facilities including Ndirande Health Centre where the machines are available and working.”
Meanwhile, Manet-Plus Director Safari Mbewe decried the development calling on government to intervene on the matter.
He said government must treat the case “as a matter of urgency.”
Ministry of Health spokesperson Henry Chimbali refused to comment on the matter referring this reporter to Mhango.
