By Yamikani Makanga
Ministry of Health says it will explore more health cooperation initiatives with Tanzania following a successful specialised surgical outreach programme by medical experts from Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Tanzania.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Health responsible for Administration, Benson Chisamile, said the camp has expanded access to specialist care and reduced surgical backlogs in Mzuzu and Kamuzu Central hospitals.
Chisamile further said such initiatives and the cordial relationship between the two countries could help the two neighbouring countries address common healthcare challenges while improving access to treatment and strengthening cross-border health services.
Meanwhile, Tanzania’s High Commissioner and head of missions to Malawi, Agnes Richard Kayola, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful and cordial relations between the countries.
She said Tanzania is interested in establishing a formal patient referral arrangement with Malawi and exploring joint pharmaceutical supply chains to address shortages of medicines and medical supplies.
The medical camp ran at Mzuzu Central Hospital from 28 September to 2 October before moving to Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe from 5 to 9 October 2026. The camp has assisted over 700 patients altogether.
SOTA Convoys are expected to continue providing mobile surgical services to various district and community hospitals across the country for the next six months, despite the return of Benjamin Mkapa Hospital medical experts to their home country.
