Ex-diplomat John Chikago accuses Ministry of Health of monopolizing COVID-19 tests

Former Malawi’s Ambassador to Japan, Dr. John James Chikago has expressed reservations on the sampling procedures being used by the Ministry of Health in the wake of Coronavirus pandemic in the country.

Dr. Chikago’s remarks follow recent reports that the Ministry of Health has only managed to tests 744 Malawians out of 18 million Malawians countrywide.

“Writing on his official facebook page, Dr. Chikago asked the Ministry to consider assembling sampling points in all busy places such as borders, market entry gates, mini bus stations to speed up the exercise.

“With due respect, I have reservations to the sampling procedures being used by the Ministry of Health,” wrote Chikago.

He added: “Why not mount sampling points at all border posts, market entry gates, mini bus stations and also mandate private hospital Laboratory hospitals to collect samples? There is no monopoly of wisdom in Laboratory science.

“Every competent Lab should be mandated to collect samples from citizens. I am a little concerned that until now only 700 samples have been collected out of a population of 18million. This is a joke. Do not monopolise testing of Covid 19 to only govt Laboratories. Some of us have the experience to help our govt.”

Malawi has so far recorded 37 cases of Coronavirus with three deaths. Out of 37, seven people have recovered from the virus.