Premature Deaths Surge at Kamuzu Central Hospital Amid Resource Shortages
In the High Dependency Unit (HDU), the ratio was supposed to be 1 to 2 but is now 1 to 4 or 5. In the ICU, the ratio was supposed to be 1 to 1 but is now 1 to 2 or 3.
LILONGWE, Malawi — Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH), the largest central hospital in Malawi, is grappling with a surge in premature deaths due to several factors, including a lack of drugs, writes Christopher Jimu.
The situation has persisted despite claims that many deaths could have been avoided with proper patient care.
In an exclusive interview with AfricaBrief, Dr. Jonathan Ngoma, an administrator at the hospital, admitted that many people have died at the hospital and more will die due to challenges like staff shortages, a lack of essential drugs, diagnostic machines, and space.
“We lose precious lives because of shortages of staff, a lack of essential drugs, diagnostic equipment, and space. It is sad and frustrating that, in this era, this should be happening,” said Ngoma.
Ngoma disclosed that one nurse at KCH attends to about 80 to 90 patients per day.
In the High Dependency Unit (HDU), the ratio was supposed to be 1 to 2 but is now 1 to 4 or 5. In the ICU, the ratio was supposed to be 1 to 1 but is now 1 to 2 or 3.
Ngoma suggested that another solution to the current challenges is the proposal to introduce a hospital levy for every Malawian, which could significantly improve healthcare delivery.
Proponents of this move include George Jobe, Director of the Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), and Chair for Parliament Health Committee Ngwale.
They argue that the levy can help Malawi deliver quality healthcare as it will provide enough resources for the health sector.