Members of a group called ‘Odya Zake Alibe Mulandu’ on Sunday got a shocker when they were denied permission to make a donation of food and non-food items worth about K1 million to patients at Thyolo District Hospital.
Thyolo District Hospital Principal Administrator, Bright Ndaonavino, said the group did not follow procedures when booking to make the donation.
“You should have gone through my office because I am the one in-charge of the hospital,” he said while dismissing the group, which had about 45 members from Thyolo District.
Chairperson of the group, Harry Mikuwa, said he made a booking two weeks prior to the donation day.
“I came here two weeks ago and I was directed to the administration [department]. I was given a phone number of one of the matrons because he was not around on that day. I was told he was better placed to help me and, as such, we have been communicating. At one point he asked for a letter, which we wrote.
“However, when we were about to send it, he said it was alright; we did not have to send a letter,” Mikuwa said.
Ironically, when members of the group wanted to know if they could leave the items at the hospital so that medical personnel would distribute them to patients, the proposal was shot down.
Leader of the group, Michael Usi— who was not present on the day— said it was unfortunate that such a thing happened to “well-wishers”.
Ministry of Health spokesperson, Joshua Malango, said procedures have to be followed when booking an appointment.
“Booking has to be made in writing to the director of the hospital copied to the district health officer.
“The two then communicate with headquarters on the same,” Malango said.
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