St John’s Hospital owned by Mzuzu Diocese of the Catholic Church says it is operating on a deficit to successfully put in place coronavirus (Covid-19) response initiatives.
Speaking when Viphya Lions Club made a donation to the hospital on Wednesday, the health facility’s principal administrator Moses Chimayi said their Covid-19 budget was pegged at K10 million against K2 million available in their coffers.
“This is not sufficient because we have 192 health workers and each one of them needs personal protective equipment [PPE],” he said.
Viphya Lions Club members hand over items to hospital staff
Chimayi has since appealed to well-wishers to help with face masks, hand sanitisers, soap, buckets and PPE.
He said although they set up a Covid-19 task force to mobilise funds and resources, they have not reached the target.
“Covid-19 took us unawares because we didn’t have a particular budget for the outbreak. When it came, we stretched our budget to buy some materials,” he said.
Viphya Lions Club president Thomas Malopa said they will mobilise more resources to help the hospital.
He said: “As a club, we are looking into the issue and we will try to source funds to help the hospital.
“This is an important hospital in the city. So, they need our assistance.” The club donated 1 000 face masks, water buckets and soap.
