Investigative Report by Yamikani Nicholas Kachingwe
In 2011.
Medical Consultants Africa Limited were legally awarded a contract by Ministry of Health to supply and install two Computerized Tomography Scanner at Kamuzu Central Hospital and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital respectively.
A CT Scanner is among the most important medical equipment as far a diagnosis(X-ray) of bones,blood vessels and soft tissues of human body. The CT Scanner provides more detailed information than the regular x-ray.It is like a bible to a pastor. This is like bible to doctors as far identifying various diseases are concerned.
Then,MCAL was the sole agent for Phillips; renowned manufacturers of various sophisticated electronic equipment. The company has a qualified and professional technical support team who undergone intensive grooming and orientation by Phillips for close to two years.
The CT Scanner was supplied and installed at KCH whereas for Q.E.C.H was held back due to inability of space to install the equipment. The management of Q.E.C.H promised to erect a special building to serve as the home for the scanner unfortunately after 11 years the hospital has failed to build one.
The initial agreement between Moh and MCAL was binded on the memorandum of understanding that the company will have a contractual mandate to install and provide technical support of maintenance,services and supply of consumables to both central hospitals.
Sadly! MCAL was and is being denied the privilege to sign the contract since 2011. They only supplied and installed the CT Scanner at KCH while the one for Q.E.C.H is still stored at their warehouse without govt paying for storage and insurance. All the expenses are being footed by themselves.
MCAL out of their patriotic sympathy towards the well deserving patients in need of Ct scan treatment. They offered their technical support team at KCH free of charge. Since 2011 the Ministry of Health has never paid a single 1 tambala to the company for their technical services offered at KCH.
MCAL is a business that has more than 100 employees. Who all of them need allowances,Salaries and payment to cover for forseen and unforeseen expenses. It is a profit based institution not a charity institution.
One wonders why the management of Q.E.C.H including the leadership at Ministry of Health would arrogantly ignore the plight of sick Malawians in the Southern and Eastern Region in need of CT scan treatment. Why have they not built the required and neccesary department structure to house the CT scan bought in 2011?
Why should a supplier pay for storage and insurance for Malawi Government’s equipment for close to 12 years?
Ofcourse all these happent under the former President of Malawi His Excellency Prof Arthur Peter Mutharika and we all know the past regime concentrated much on defrauding our taxes and corruption was the order of the day.
Today!
On behalf of all Malawians. Am pleading to the current administration of Chakwera through the Ministry of Health to consider inviting this company to resolve all misunderstandings and honor all requirements. Let our sick people be assisted medically.
Our reporter spoke to the Ceo of MCAL Mr Jonathan Bisnowaty,this what he had to say;”I believe with this new,there is hope that we will find an amicable solution for the Ct Scan”.
It is time Kamuzu Central Hospital learn to appreciate and respect the need of having permanent technical support system for their various departments.
I submit.