Old Mutual donates medical equipment worth MK30 million to Lilongwe, Blantyre DHOs

As the country is experiencing a second wave of COVID-19 which has claimed over 400 lives including two Cabinet Ministers, Old Mutual Malawi has moved in and donated assorted medicines and equipment worth K30 million to Blantyre and Lilongwe District Health Offices (DHO’s).

The donation comes barely two weeks after the State President Dr. Lazarus Chakwera declared the country a state of disaster where he appealed for help from well-wishers to help in the fight against COVID-19.

Speaking in an interview with the press Old Mutual Malawi Limited Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) Edith Jiya said the donation is in line with the company’s Philosophy: Responsible business.

“Being a responsible business to the communities we operate in, Old Mutual (Malawi) Limited remains vigilant of the full scale of the health crisis this second wave of the pandemic has brought to the country and we believe that we have a responsibility to play in our society, a responsibility to not only be a profitable business, but a purposeful business.

“We hence warmly welcomed this call to national duty by making this initial donation of assorted medicines and equipment so as to help in equipping our dedicated and selfless frontline medical staff who are risking their lives in their noble duty to the nation and work tirelessly around the clock to serve and save lives of Malawians,” said Jiya.

According to Jiya, out of the MK30 million donation, Lilongwe DHO has received 10 Rechargeable Blood Pressure Machines, Refill for 23 Oxygen Cylinders and a month supply of the essential medicines representing a total of K6, 278,616 of the donation.

Some of the essential medicines include;Heparin -200, Zinc Supplements 20mg Tablets -200,Vitamin C -200,Vitamin D -200 and Azithromycin -200.

She further said that Blantyre District Health office has received 10 Patient Monitors and 10 Nebulizing Machines, refill for 24 Oxygen Cylinders and a month supply of the essential medicines such Lente Insulin 200,Heparin -200 and Enoxaparin -200 representing a total of K23,712,468.00 of the donation.

“The two DHOs have been first beneficiaries of the donation as they are handling the epicenter and the second most hotspot of the pandemic. At the same time, we are continuing with engagements with other DHO’s and other stakeholders on required interventions,” said Jiya.

Speaking after receiving the donation Queen Elizabeth Central hospital Deputy Hospital Director Dr Kelvin Mponda hailed Old Mutual for the timely donation.

“As healthcare workers battle the pandemic, the increasing needs for resources to do this work is evident. Kind donations to supplement the hospital’s capacity are hence invaluable and welcome.

“We would therefore like to thank Old Mutual for their generosity in this noble task to save lives of the people of Malawi suffering from COVID 19,” said Mponda.

Concurring with Mponda’s remarks Lilongwe DHO Public Relations and Communications Officer Richard Mvula also thanked Old Mutual for the donation.

“Thank you so much for your generous donation of medical supplies to Bwaila COVID-19 Treatment Center. The donated items include Azithromycin, Heparin, Zinc,Vitamin C and D, Blood pressure machines and refill of 23 Oxygen cylinders.

“Bwaila COVID-19 Treatment Center constantly needs these items which are in short supply due to the number of people being admitted. Currently the facility has over 30 patients and this donation will help us in managing our patients better. We regard Old Mutual as a true friend indeed and in need. Your timely donation will make a strong impact in our work of saving Iives,” he said.

During the first wave of COVID-19, Old Mutual Malawi donated Mk8 million four hospitals under Christian Health Association of Malawi (CHAM) which was used for the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs).

Before this donation, the company also donated medical supplies worth MK29.1 million to Blantyre, Lilongwe and Mzuzu District Health Offices.

So far the company has contributed over Mk120 million towards procurement of PPEs to help in the fight against the deadly virus.