Congestion hits Mzuzu Central Hospital’s ward

Congestion has hit Mzuzu Central Hospital’s (MCH) paediatric ward such that some patients have been forced to sleep on the floor.

This was learnt on Saturday when Mzuzu Lions Club donated assorted foodstuffs worth K250 000 to the ward and the guardian waiting shelter.

The ward’s principal nursing officer, Bertha Chaputula, said the ward was initially meant to accommodate 34 patients.

“However, the hospital increased the capacity to 63 by putting up beds in empty spaces just to meet the demand,” she said.

Chaputula said on the day, the ward had 60 patients but the figure could reach 100 during this rainy season when malaria cases increase.

She said: “But the hospital has extra mattresses which are provided to the patients when all beds are taken up.”

Some of the patients interviewed said sleeping on the floor exposes them to mosquitoes and cold.

Chaputula said the donation would address challenges of food, especially for the patients who come from far.

Mzuzu Lions Club president Victor Gondwe said the donation was meant to share love with patients during this festive season.

The club has supported MCH with several initiatives, including construction of a guardian shelter and eye hospital. n