Malawi press highlights reconciliation call, drugs expiry warning

The main press headlines in Malawi on Monday included calls for unity and reconciliation by opposition Malawi Congress Party (MCP) leader Lazarus Chakwera and a warning about the possibility of drugs expiring at Central Medical Stores Trust (CMST). The Daily Times reported on a call by Chakwera for Malawi’s political parties to move on in the wake of the disputes that accompanied the country’s general elections earlier this year.

Chakwera told the paper that despite being his disappointment after Democratic Progressive Party’s Peter Mutharika was declared winner in the presidential race in May, he has moved on and no longer had held any grudges.

According to him, his message of reconciliation should not be taken as a sign of weakness but a thought for Malawi’s peace because peace was very important for the progress of the country.

The Nation newspaper wrote that there was likelihood that drug stocks at CMST risked expiring if they are not used.

CMST director Moses Chisale said most of the drugs were inherited from previous Central Medical Stores and were massive procurement with slow moving medical supplies hence the drugs not being dispensed to hospitals.

He added that some include chemicals which could be used in machines but because of the failure or break down of machines in most hospitals, the chemicals cannot be used.