Drugs and Supplies in Acute Shortage
At 11:18 am on Thursday morning, a senior Nurse from a District Hospital in the Southeastern Malawi called my cell. Her voice reflected desperation. “Can we get medical supplies, catheters or whatever is available? I am standing outside your warehouse.” She continued talking without giving room for a response.
“I am sorry madam but we are running out of stock of all medical supplies as well. We have given almost everything out.” I responded.
“Though I told her I was 15 kilometers away, and it would be over two hours before I was back in my office, she remained calm and said she would wait. She wanted to be given a chance to see for herself if we had anything their hospital needed.”
This is a registered nurse working for a major government Hospital in southern Malawi, and this story is a reflection of the acute shortage that exists in both medical supplies and drugs for nation.
After prescribing the needed drugs hospitals are turning patients away without giving them the needed drugs. This nurse had taken in on herself to travel 100 km in search for medical supplies.
“I can confirm we are in an emergency situation. There are no supplies and drugs in Government run facilities” she said. These shortages are putting poor men, women and children in a death trap.
In response to such dedication we were able to supply her with a few catheters, bandages, gloves and wheelchairs. She reflected optimism these things would help save lives. It was such a display of dedication and love for others.
The drugs and supply shortage has for years been a huge problem for 80% of the population which totally depends on government supported programs. There is yet no end in sight from this emergency.
~ Wilson Isaac Tembo