Kidney Foundation has shelved plans to hold a vigil at Kamuzu Palace to pressure President Lazarus Chakwera to address challenges kidney patients face when accessing medical care.
The foundation, which was formed to advance the welfare of kidney patients, had planned to demonstrate in Lilongwe tomorrow, before holding the vigil.
Speaking at a press conference in Lilongwe on Saturday, the foundation’s chairperson Frank Mwale said they called off the demonstrations to pave the way for dialogue as requested by State House.
“The foundation has opted to give dialogue with the State House a chance because of their commitment in providing lasting solutions to this challenge,” he said.
Key among the challenges outlined was poor functioning of the dialysis machines at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH).
“The dialysis machines at KCH have become a known death trap that is taking innocent lives one-by-one, a situation that can be avoided should relevant government officials show interest in providing amicable solutions on time,” Mwale said.
He further disclosed that the vigil was a result of failure to get solutions from the Ministry of Health and the referral hospital.
“Time without number, the foundation has engaged KCH management, the Ministry of Health and also held a meeting once with the Parliamentary Committee on Health and presented the challenges the unit is facing, but no solution was provided,” said Mwale.
Presidential adviser on non-government organisations Martha Kwataine, speaking at the same press briefing, said government is geared to address challenges kidney patients were facing.
“We asked the foundation to call off the demonstration and vigil so that we can meet and resolve this issue amicably. The President is fully committed to address the challenges Malawians face in accessing health services,” she said.
