* Delegates at the fundraising event at Novotel Manchester West on September 28 also pledged items worth £1,800
* This is an ongoing project in which MUNA is still seeking support to local businesses and well-wishers in Malawi
* The campaign is being done together with Mibawa Television that developed a video documentary; https://youtu.be/q78J–1UxtY highlighting the dire conditions at the short-stay unit
By Duncan Mlanjira
Having been greatly roused by the dire conditions of over-congestion at the short-stay unit (patient consultation ward) of Kamuzu Central Hospital, Malawian-UK Nurses Association (MUNA) mobilised themselves by organising a fundraising campaign to assist in its renovations.
The campaign culminated into a fundraising event on September 28 at Novotel Manchester West in Manchester, United Kingdom that raised £3,300 (over MK7,530,600) — with £1,800-worthy being pledges in hospital items.
A team of members of MUNA, led by coordinator & publications lead, Sala Kamkosi Khulumula visited MAlawi prior to the event where — in liaison with Mibawa Television — developed a video documentary; https://youtu.be/q78J–1UxtY that highlights the dire conditions at the short-stay unit.
The documentary disclosed the dire challenges, which staff at Kamuzu Central Hospital highlighted, that included over-congestion of the consultation ward, very low nurse-to-patient ratio, 10-beds against over 50 patients a day, patients lying in agony on cold floors, broken wheelchairs, dirty toilets, among others.
The documentary was shown at MUNA’s fundraising event on September 28 to emphasise that what is being proposed as towards assisting the distressing conditions of the short-stay unit is of great magnitude that needs all hands on deck.
Mibawa TV, through its Mibawa Multimedia for Social Development (MMSD) initiative, captured the various challenges being faced at the unit in which matron, Tikondwe Thindwa and nurse, Salome Tembo attested that it’s what they experience every single day.
Thindwa said the unit, being what it is as a short-stay for consultation purposes, only have 10 beds but on a daily basis, they receive over 50-60 patients because most of them are not referred to from surrounding health centres as it should be, but just walk in seeking treatment.
Thus Thindwa said originally the 10 beds sufficed but with the growing numbers of walk-in patients, the unit is being overwhelmed — exacerbated by very low nurse-to-patient ratio.
As narrated by Mibawa TV presenter, the conditions at the short-stay unit are grounds for “unimaginable suffering” as nurse Salome Tembo highlights the challenges they face of lack of even some basic equipment needed for patient consultation.
Nurse Tembo said they treat the walk-in patients in the corridor which doesn’t have electricity sockets for their basic — and very old — blood pressure (BP) gadgets, which is electricity powered.
MUNA’s Kamkosi Khulumula thus appeals in the documentary that the campaign is to increase the unit’s bed capacity to, at least 20, renovate it to offer more space for patients as well as the medical staff’s working areas.
She emphasised that MUNA, being a dedicated organisation to life and healthcare provision for both the UK and back home in Malawi, just had to step in and act, saying it was appalling that patients’ dignity is not being observed in such open spaces of the corridors.
In its newsletter of November 2024, MUNA indicates that the fundraiser was graced Allan Mandindi from Malawi Heritage UK and Dr Rev. Charles Kachitsa from Africa Council UK as guests of honour, who commended MUNA’s initiative and urged people to contribute to the cause.
Sponsors for the fundraiser included Diaspora Insurance, Mibawa TV, Nwanedinamba Nigerian Community, as well as other companies and individuals, who were acknowledged for their contributions — while emphasising that this is an ongoing project, in which MUNA will seek support to local businesses and well-wishers in Malawi.
In her foreword, MUNA president, Charity Gladstone (MBE) — who was bestowed last year with the prestigious Order of the British Empire (MBE) award by His Majesty King Charles III for her services to nursing — extended her “heartfelt thanks” to all participated at the fundraiser and awareness event of Kamuzu Central Hospital’s challenges.
“Your presence and contributions made a significant impact and brought us closer to our goal of transforming the hospital’s facilities,” she said. “The energy and enthusiasm displayed by everyone in attendance were truly inspiring.
“It is evident that our community is dedicated to improving the quality of healthcare services at the hospital and ensuring that patients receive the best possible care in a modern and safe environment.
Advertisement
“The funds raised at the event will play a crucial role in the renovation efforts, allowing us to extend the ward, provide essential facilities, modernise with digital technology, enhance infection control measures, and prioritise the well-being of our dedicated staff.
“This will not only improve the patient experience but also create a positive and efficient working environment for our healthcare professionals.
“As we work towards these goals, it is important to remember that our collective efforts are shaping the future of healthcare delivery at Kamuzu Central Hospital. Your support is a testament to the spirit of generosity and compassion that drives our community, and we are immensely grateful for your commitment to this important cause.”
She thus asked MUNA members that if they have any further ideas, feedback, or suggestions for the renovation project, they should feel free to share them with MUNA executive members.
“Your input is invaluable as we continue to make progress towards our shared vision of a renovated and revitalised hospital ward. Thank you once again for your unwavering support and dedication to the Kamuzu Central Hospital — together, we can make a real difference and create a better, brighter future for all those who rely on the hospital for their care.”
Gladstone is a Lately Matron of Cardiology & Respiratory Services at Gloucestershire Hospital of the United Kingdom’s National Health Services (NHS), and she modestly maintains that the MBE awarded to her by His Majesty King Charles III, is an overall recognition of the charity work that MUNA does, both in the UK and Malawi.
MUNA — an embodiment of like-minded Malawian physicians based in the UK — was also invited to attend King Charles’ 75th birthday at Buckingham Palace in November last in recognition of its role in leading MUNA in its contributions towards CoVID-19 pandemic.
Gladstone was also recognised for her role that internationally educated nurses (IEN) play in UK’s NHS and social care and for the King Charles’ MBE New Year Honour, Gladstone joined dozens of nurses, doctors and surgeons who were honoured.
President Lazarus Chakwera also congratulated Gladstone, saying: “May this prestigious award inspire Malawians for greater service to humanity abroad and at home.”
Advertisement