Transport woes have been greatly eased at the Therere Health Centre in Chikwawa Nkombedzi Constituency. This follows a brand new ambulance donation by two Japanese Companies at the request of the Member of Parliament for the area, Abida Sidik Mia.
The leaders of ITOCHU Cooperation and Takemoto Oil and Fats Company presented the donation at a ceremony held at the Therere Health Centre. Additionally, the companies donated medical supplies and equipment. The donated ambulance is valued at USD40,000, which is the equivalent of MK57, 000,000. The medical supplies and equipment are valued at USD20, 000, which is the equivalent of MK28, 500,000.
Mr. Shiraishi of ITOCHU Corporation expressed his contentment at fulfilling the request made by MP. Abida Sidik Mia. He said, “We heard the request, understood the need and responded accordingly.” He also thanked the Japanese Embassy for financing the construction of the Therere Health Centre.
Receiving the donations on behalf of MP. Abida Sidik Mia was MP. Ilyias Karim, legislator for Chikwawa South, who was Guest of Honour at the auspicious occasion. Karim expressed gratitude from Mia, whom he said would have loved to attend the ceremony but was hosting a delegation from the World Bank in her capacity as Minister of Water and Sanitation.
“I convey to you a message of appreciation and joy from the Member of Parliament for this area, Honourable Abida Mia, for the fulfilment of a request for an ambulance and medical supplies,” said MP. Karim.
He said, in aiming to improve healthcare service delivery, the ambulance donation in particular was a demonstration of the care and love their MP has for the community.
Karim further advised hospital management, both at the District Health Office and at Therere Health Centre, to ensure the donations serve their intended purpose of improving healthcare for the community.
The ceremony was also attended by Chikwawa Director of Health and Social Services, Dr Grace Momba, Chikwawa District Council Chairperson, Councillor Kofati Malunga, Gift of the Givers representative, Amaan Jameel and Senior Chief Ngabu.
About two years ago the Japanese Embassy, through Gift of the Givers, financed the construction of Therere Health Centre to mitigate challenges faced by people, including expectant mothers in seeking medical attention.
