QECH doctors call for more support
Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) doctors who on Sunday organised a fundraising fun run have said funds raised during the activity are far from meeting the targeted K68 million.
The fun run was organised to mobilise resources to address challenges that compromise patient care and service delivery in the maternity wing. It took place along the Masauko Chipembere Highway from 8.30am to 3pm.
The doctors have since called for more support from individuals and the corporate world so that they reach the target and be able to purchase all the required equipment to be used in the Gogo Chatinkha Maternity Care Support (Chamaca) at QECH.
Speaking in an interview, a member of the event’s organising committee, Jessica Chikwana, said the group secured three oxygen concentrators, a baby incubator and a steriliser from the activity which took place.
She said: “The response from organisations and institutions that came to participate was good. Those that came were also willing to participate in the Healthy Living Initiative, which was part of the fun run, by getting screened for diabetes, cervical cancer and blood pressure among other diseases.
“However, we did not manage to achieve the intended financial objectives of the fun run and we are still looking for extra funds. Donations are still coming in and they are very much welcome.”
According to Chikwana, the Malawi Blood Transfusion Service (MBTS), which partnered the group, collected 28 units of blood from willing participants during the fun run.
She said another partner, PSI provided Voluntary Male Medical Circumcision (VMMC) whereas Banja la Mtsogolo (BLM) offered HIV testing to willing individuals.
