Netballers to remain in hospital for two months

Doctors have recommended that Mzimba road accident victims Martha Chinomba and five others should remain in hospital for two months, starting from June 6 2012.

Chinomba, a goal defender for Jenda United netball team in Mzimba was involved in a road accident near Champhira Turn-Off three weeks ago. She was in the company of 33 fellow netballers who were travelling to fulfil a Presidential Cup assignment.

According to Mzimba District Hospital spokesperson, Raymond Kawaye 19 players were treated as outpatients; eight were admitted and discharged four days later; five were recommended to continue receiving treatment at the district hospital while Chinomba and Chrissy Chirambo were referred to Mzuzu Central Hospital (MCH). Chirambo was discharged last Saturday.

In an interview on Thursday, MCH orthopaedic clinicians Raphael Mwakalinga and Hilda Phiri said the two-month hospital recommendation for Chinomba was to allow the fractures she sustained to heal effectively.

“Everything is now normal. She has started some bed exercises, she is now able to eat and also speak, unlike in the past,” said Mwakalinga.

Meanwhile, Chinomba, has thanked the Netball Association of Malawi (NAM) for supporting her with some money, which the association’s general secretary Helene Mpinganjira said was to help the patient buy some necessities.

“I am grateful to NAM for the money. However, I appeal for more financial support because the doctors have said I will be in hospital for two months,” said Chinomba.

Kawaye confirmed that the five admitted to Mzimba are still in their beds as they, too, have been given two months to recover fully.