By Evidence Banda and Vick Zulanga
Chairperson of the Likoma Patriots Chapter, Masauko Thawe, has commended the government for granting duty‑free privileges on medical equipment purchased by the organisation.
Thawe made the remarks at Nkhatabay Jetty on Thursday during the official handover of medical equipment valued at K2.5 billion to Likoma District.
He said the gesture has enabled Patriots Malawi to distribute vital supplies across the country, strengthening the health sector and easing the burden on struggling hospitals.
The donation, he said, reflects the organisation’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in remote communities such as Likoma and Chizumulu islands.
Director of Health and Social Services for Likoma District, Dr Gracewell Mathewe, welcomed the intervention, noting that inadequate equipment and poor infrastructure have long undermined service delivery.
Dr Mathewe praised Patriots Malawi for the timely support, stressing that the supplies will enhance the quality of care and reduce preventable suffering among patients.
Likoma Member of Parliament, Charles Chilambula, pledged to complement the initiative by contributing K2.9 million to cover transport costs for the equipment to Likoma.
Chilambula further assured stakeholders that the donation will be safeguarded and used strictly for its intended purpose, reinforcing accountability in the district’s health system.
Among the donated items are dental beds, assorted surgical kits, physiotherapy equipment, and other essential medical supplies.
