NBS Bank Chief Finance Officer Ernest Tembo (right) handing over the investment to QECH Hospital Director Prof. Patrick Kamalo
* Every child deserves access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to recover in a safe, dignified and supportive environment
* For families facing childhood cancer, the journey can be particularly difficult emotionally, financially and physically
* The support reflects what ‘We Care A Little More’ means to us not simply saying that we care, but turning that care into tangible action
By Duncan Mlanjira
Under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy — guided by the belief of ‘We Care A Little More’ — NBS Bank has invested K103.8 million towards specialty beds and cancer medication for Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) Pediatric Cancer Ward.
Advertisement
At the handover on Thursday, Chief Finance Officer, Ernest Tembo maintained that NBS Bank’s responsibility “extends beyond providing financial services”.
“As a Malawian bank, we have a responsibility to contribute to the wellbeing and development of the communities we serve.
“Our CSR initiatives are guided by our belief in ‘We Care A Little More’ going beyond what is expected to make a meaningful difference.
“We seek to support initiatives where our contribution can address a genuine need and create tangible impact.”
He thus highlighted that NBS Bank believes that “every child deserves access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to recover in a safe, dignified and supportive environment”.
“For families facing childhood cancer, the journey can be particularly difficult emotionally, financially and physically.
“Hospitals and medical teams play a critical role in supporting these children, but they often work with limited resources and infrastructure.
“Supporting pediatric healthcare is, therefore, not only about providing equipment or medicines — it is about improving the experience and quality of care for children and their families.”
Tembo indicated that after engaging with Head of QECH Paediatric Department, Dr. Chagaluka, key challenges identified was the condition of the existing hospital beds.
“The beds currently being used are not adjustable or easily movable, making it difficult for medical teams to perform certain procedures.
“More importantly, children are required to remain in a fixed, flat position, which can be uncomfortable particularly for those undergoing lengthy treatment.
“NBS Bank is, therefore, supporting the replacement of the existing beds with adjustable and movable hospital beds.
“This is a practical intervention, but one that can make a significant difference to both the children and the healthcare professionals caring for them.”
He further said after accessing that the needs of the ward extend beyond infrastructure and equipment, the bank will also provide the necessary cancer medication that supports their treatment and recovery.
“By doing so, our support goes beyond improving the physical environment — we are also contributing directly to the children’s treatment journey.
“Supporting healthcare is ultimately an investment in Malawi’s future. Every child receiving treatment today represents a future parent, professional, entrepreneur, leader or contributor to our society.
“When we support children to access the treatment and care they need, we are helping preserve not only individual lives but also the future potential of our communities.”
Advertisement
In his vote of thanks, Hospital Director, Prof. Patrick Kamalo, expressed QECH’s profound appreciation of the 30 modern adjustable beds.
He attested to that the specialty beds will not only make the patients “more comfortable but also they will make nursing the patients easier since they are adjustable”.
“They have also given us some cancer drugs which have increased our capacity to treat the children with cancer. We are very thankful for this very kind gesture,” said Prof.Kamala.
For Tembo, he highlighted that a bank’s impact “should not only be measured by the financial services it provides, but also by the difference it makes in the lives of the people and communities it serves”.
“This is particularly important in pediatric cancer care, where timely and appropriate treatment can make a profound difference.
“Today, we are reminded that sometimes meaningful impact comes from addressing very basic but important needs.
“A better hospital bed may seem like a simple intervention, but for a child spending days or weeks in hospital, comfort and dignity matter. “Supporting treatment and medication can also ease some of the burden faced by families navigating childhood cancer.
“We hope that this contribution will make the journey a little easier for the children receiving treatment, their families and the dedicated healthcare professionals caring for them.
“Today, we are not just handing over beds and medical support — we are investing in comfort, dignity, treatment and, most importantly, hope.”
Advertisement