Malawi minister fetes patients on New Year’s Day

Minister of Defence Ken Kandodo on New Year’s Day donated assorted items to 378 patients at Kasungu District Hospital. Kandodo, who is also Kasungu Central Constituency parliamentarian, said cheering the patients was the best way to start the New Year.

He said the visit was also in response to President Joyce Banda’s directive last week that all Cabinet ministers and parliamentarians should at least cheer the sick at any hospital in their respective areas during the festive season.  The hampers, each weighing about 10 kilogrammes, comprised rice, sugar, salt, cooking oil, maize flour and soap. Kasungu district health officer Dr Jerome Nkambule thanked the minister for the items, saying they came at a time the hospital was facing challenges to provide decent diet to patients. At least 15 babies were born on New Year’s Day at the 217-bed capacity hospital. The picture shows Kandodo and his wife presenting a hamper to one of the patients.—Mana