Authorities at The Lilongwe Institute of Orthopedics and Neurosurgery (LION), a department under the Kamuzu Central Hospital, have bemoaned the shortage of medical practitioners and the exorbitant prices of medical supplies which is said to be affecting operations at the facility.
Boston Munthali, Medical Director at LION, made the remarks in Lilongwe during an opening of the LOUISE MOHN Rehabilitation Building at the department
“As of December 2023, the facility managed to conduct more than 1, 140 surgeries. It admits an average of 18 patients on a daily basis. With increased cases of road accidents in the capital Lilongwe and the surrounding districts,” Munthali said.
He however said the shortage of medical practitioners and high cost of medical supplies are some of the challenges affecting its operations.
Reacting to the development, Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, disclosed that the government plans to recruit over 5000 medical practitioners who will help address this challenge.
The Louise Mohn family of Norway sponsored the construction of the rehabilitation centre and further pledged to support the facility.
Lilongwe Institute of Orthopedics and Neurosurgery (LION) was officially opened by President Dr Lazarus Chakwera in April 2023.
Reported by Aisha Amidu.
#mbcmw
#mbconlineservices
#mbcnewslive
