RE: Medical Equipment

I would like to inform you that we have received the consignment of medical equipment and accessories and confirm that the items listed have been received in good condition and enclosed is a signed copy of the packing list.

On behalf of the "Friends" and Archdiocesan Board, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to MAHECAS for the equipment and accessories received. These have been distributed to 6 Health Centres as per the list attached. The personnel in charge of the beneficiary institutions is extending their appreciation for the assistance that MAHECAS has to render them. I believe that you will continue to assist these institutions in the very near future.

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year

Yours Truly

KG Varela
Chairman - Friends of Mulambe-Nguludi-Phalombe Hospitals

"Hopsitals under Christian Hospitals Association of Malawi (CHAM) operating in remote parts of the country sell drugs at lower prices despite exorbitant buying prices and lack of subsidy for the hospitals." Friends of Mulambe, Nguludi, Phalombe Hospitals and Helath Centres, Chairperson Knox Valera said recently when presenting a consignment of equipment to Roman Catholic Health Centres from a UK based organisation, Malawi Health Care Support. He said this in recognition of the fact that the health centres in rural areas cater for people whose income is below the bread line. "These Health Centres serve people who cannot afford to pay, despite the fact drugs are expensive and the hospitals receive no subsidy" Valera said. This, he explained, has resulted in many hospitals running short of income for drugs because the fee paid is very small, expressing concern that this will remain a persistent trend in most hospitals. "Originally," Valera said, "these hospitals depended on donor support. Following the freezing of such aid recently, Friends, a local organisation jumped in to ensure sustainability."

The Malawi Health Care Support is made up of a group Malawian doctors and nurses resident in the UK and other well wishers who donate equipment and drus upon request. The donated consignment which included laboratory equipment, sterilisers and blood pressure machines is worth K230,400.

Arch-Diocesan Health Board Chairperson, Father Nsope, thanked Friends and Malawi Health Care Support for the donation. "We cannot manage to buy such type of equipment, considering the way our money is suffering in terms of value. Here they would be very expensive" said Father Nsope. He asked for more support from the Malawi Health Care Support, especially in remote areas, where it is difficult to access drugs.

The health centers, benefitting from this donation are Sukasanje, Mwanga and Chiringa in Phalombe; Namulenga and Mitengo in Mwanga and Thyolo districts respectively.