Two Japanese companies donate ambulance, medical equipment to Malawi health centre

Chikwawa, Malawi - Two Japanese companies have donated an ambulance and medical equipment to the Therere Health Centre in the area of Senior Chief Ngabu in Chikwawa, Malawi, to improve health services for local communities, writes Cornelius Lupenga.

The donations were received by Member of Parliament for Chikwawa South Illias Abudal Karim on behalf of Water and Sanitation Minister Abida Sidik Mia, who is the parliamentarian for Chikwawa Nkombezi.

Karim, speaking at Therere Health Centre on Friday, praised the cordial relationship between Lilongwe and Tokyo that led to the Japanese firms supporting the health facility.

He noted that locals in the area had no access to health services and were forced to travel to Ngabu Rural Community Hospital for medication. "This will address the challenge that people, especially women, face," he said.

Deputy Manager for ITOCHU Corporation, Marthirio Shiraishi, speaking for the Japanese firms, said the ambulance and medical equipment were donated following a request by the area's Member of Parliament.

He said the companies were proud to render their social responsibility to the people of Therere and added that they planned to sink boreholes in the area.

"We are proud of the farmers who are growing sesame crops, which we are purchasing from them," he said.

District Health and Social Services for Chikwawa, Dr Grace Momba, praised the donors and the Member of Parliament, saying the ambulance and equipment would make their work much easier.

"There will no longer be delays in referring cases to Ngabu Rural Community Hospital," she said.

Karim also asked locals to take care of the donated materials to ensure they lasted longer.