Dowa, Malawi … To help doctors at Dowa district hospital overcome the difficulties they’re encountering when treating patients, Action for Progress has generously donated medical equipment to the hospital. This donation came after the organization received a call about the challenges of providing medical services at the district facility, which is currently unable to function optimally due to a shortage of quality equipment.
Dowa district hospital, established in 1931, has long been the go-to hospital for medical care in the district. However, there’s been a significant issue with the operations across different departments, primarily because of the lack of suitable equipment. As a result, the hospital reached out to Action for Progress, asking for help with various medical equipment. According to Dr. Ronald Mhango, the District medical officer for Dowa, the hospital has been struggling with the absence of wheelchairs to move patients between wards, especially those who need to be admitted. “It’s been quite a challenge and seeing our patients not receive the best possible care has been incredibly frustrating. We’ve been trying to find equipment, but it hasn’t been easy until Action for Progress answered our call. Today is truly a wonderful day at Dowa DHO as we unveil the much-needed equipment they’ve donated.”
Action for Progress generously donated beds, mattresses, dental chairs, wheelchairs, clutches, and many other items. During the handover ceremony, AFP Executive Director Wilson Tembo mentioned that they’re well aware of the shortage of medical equipment in hospitals, especially in rural areas where people often rely on government hospitals because private services are too expensive. When Dowa DHO asked for help, they didn’t hesitate to find a donation and assist. Fortunately, the donation was made possible with the help of the Malawi Project in the U.S. Speaking at the handing over ceremony, Dowa DMO, Dr. Ronald Mhango, noted that the donation is exactly what they needed. “We’ve been struggling to get good equipment like this in departments like dental, maternity, and the regular wards. We’re so honored to receive this equipment, which will change how we provide care forever. We won’t have to worry about transferring patients from one ward to another anymore because we now have wheelchairs that we were missing. Thank you so much, Action for Progress, for remembering us and for remembering Dowa.” The DMO also stressed the importance of taking extra care of the equipment to ensure it lasts, as such equipment is not easily available.