Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority Donates 26-million-kwacha worth Anaesthesia Machine to Mangochi District Hospital.

General surgical procedures at Mangochi district hospital are expected to improve after Malawi Gaming and Lotteries Authority (MAGLA) donated an anaesthesia machine worth 26 million Kwacha.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony of the anaesthesia machine in Mangochi, Board chairperson for MAGLA Benard Ndau, said the donation falls in line with the institution’s mandate of using part of its generated resources, to improve social services in the communities, while at the same time promoting tourism. He added that Mangochi being one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country for both local and international tourists, there is need for the district to have provision of quality health services because tourists are attracted to sites which have all basic amenities.

District Medical officer for Mangochi Dr Mark Kamfunda in his remarks explained how huge of a challenge it has been for the hospital to treat critical cases requiring surgery, after its machine broke down early January this year. He said this resulted into 120 referrals to Zomba district hospital, a move which has proven to be costly for both the hospital and patients.

Dr Kamfunda said the donation by MAGLA is timely, and will go a long way in serving the people of Mangochi and surrounding communities.

Mangochi district hospital was opened in 1981 and carters for a population of more than 1.3 million people. It is also the main referral hospital for 56 surrounding health centres.