China has been sending medical doctors to provide health services in Malawi’s clinics since 2008. This is in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 3, which seeks to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages by 2030.  

Since the first group of 12 Chinese medical workers arrived in Malawi, 11 groups have been dispatched.  

The 11th one arrived earlier this year and comprised 18 specialists in internal medicine, surgery, gynaecology, paediatrics, radiology, anaesthesiology and laboratory medicine. They were divided into two groups, stationed at the Kamuzu hospital and the Mzuzu hospital respectively. 

Many Malawians are happy with the increase of doctors because the country has had a shortage of health professionals for some time. 

One of them is businessperson Moloko Luhanga. “I remember the time I went to Kamuzu Central Hospital and had to wait for a long time without being attended to. It was only later that I learnt that there was a shortage of manpower as the few who were there were fully committed. With the coming of these doctors, things are slowly improving,” he said.

Medical equipment shortage 

Apart from the shortage of doctors, Malawi hospitals have also been facing shortages of medical equipment. To assist in mitigating this and to treat Malawians who are sick, the 11th group of Chinese doctors donated medical equipment to the Kamuzu and Mzuzu hospitals, worth about $1.2 million. The equipment can also be used to provide additional medical training to local hospital personnel at the two hospitals.  

This included modern equipment such as patient monitors and portable colour Doppler ultrasound diagnostic instruments. Medical team leader Wang Yonggang said the assistance is part of an initiative to support the country and help to enhance the health care system. 

Wang said he hoped that the donation will be put to good use and confirmed his team was dedicated to promoting good health, which required proper diagnosis and medication.  

Commenting on their visit to Malawi, Wang underscored the importance of the team also providing free clinic facilities to Malawians.  

“Through these clinics, Chinese medical teams bring advanced medical techniques and knowledge to Malawi, helping to enhance the local health care systems,” said Wang. “We not only treat illnesses, but also focus on disease prevention, conduct health education and promote healthy lifestyles.” 

Meanwhile, the Malawian Ministry of Health and the National Health Commission of China have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on cooperation between hospitals of the two countries. 

Malawian Minister of Health Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda and Chinese Ambassador to Malawi Long Zhou signed the MoU in Lilongwe, the country’s capital, on 12 July. 

Chiponda described the signed agreement as “timely” and that it “ushers in a new era of strong cooperation between China and Malawi in the critical field of health care.” 

According to Chiponda, the agreement focuses on improving key areas such as obstetrics and gynaecology of Malawi’s Kamuzu Central Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province. 

The two institutions will collaborate on upgrading Kamuzu’s capacity for treating critically ill pregnant women, and refining diagnosis and treatment of gynaecological conditions, according to Chaponda.

Promoting health 

Health activists in Malawi are cognisant of the fact that medical equipment is scarce. George Jobe, executive director of the Malawi Health Equity Network, said his organisation is concerned that doctors are failing to perform their duties well because of lack of necessary equipment. 

“There are a number of factors that are causing this. First, the health budget is insufficient. I understand that it was increased, but if you consider devaluation and inflation, you will see that nothing changed much. Then there is the issue of cost. The equipment is not cheap. As such, a big budget is needed for that. Since public hospitals are free, replacing equipment has always been a problem,” said Jobe, adding that Malawi is surrounded by countries that charge patients for services at public hospitals. The ripple effect of this is that neighbouring patients head to Malawi for free services, which puts pressure on already sparse equipment in local hospitals. 

Chiponda admits that there is a shortage of essential equipment in the country’s hospitals. 

“We are not just staying idle, but ensuring that we [will] equip them with the necessary medical equipment so that doctors are able to assist people according to their expectations,” she said. 

Highly appreciated 

Ted Bandawe, director of the Mzuzu Central Hospital, expressed delight at the medical equipment donation, describing it as timely.  

He said the generosity would go a long way in assisting people that need clinical detection of their illnesses, saying China’s unwavering dedication to enhancing service delivery and improving health care in “our community has not gone unnoticed.”  

“China’s selfless commitment to providing medical assistance and support to the people of Mzuzu truly embodies the spirit of humanity and compassion,” he said.  

Bandawe agreed that the annual visit by the Chinese medical teams is a testament to the strong bond of friendship and collaboration between the two nations.

“The invaluable contribution of the Chinese medical team has played a significant role in the greatness of the Mzuzu Central Hospital and we are truly privileged to have such dedicated partners in our mission to deliver quality health care to all who need it,” said Bandawe.  

Commenting on the medical equipment, Malawi’s Deputy Minister of Health Halima Daud said the government is always happy and pleased with countries and institutions that support Malawi.  

She disclosed that many hospitals in the country are lacking some essential equipment, so the donation would go a long way in alleviating the challenges.  

“We are a developing country and we cannot do everything on our own. As such, the donation from China is highly appreciated. It is, therefore, pleasing to realise that the Chinese medical team is not only assisting our people, but has also provided medical equipment,” said Daud.  

She called on the Mzuzu and Kamuzu hospitals to take care of the equipment so that many people can benefit.  

 African Times published this article in partnership with ChinAfrica Magazine