Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Times News
Published on 2024-03-07 07:15:26
In 2001, David Bagile, from Group Village Headman Chikole’s area in Traditional Authority Katunga in Chikwawa District, began experiencing severe pain in his gums and teeth. Despite taking painkillers, his discomfort persisted. Seeking help from a nearby health center, medical staff prescribed more painkillers, which provided temporary relief. However, the pain returned, accompanied by facial swelling, prompting a referral to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.
After a wait, Bagile underwent surgery in 2003, bringing some much-needed relief. Unfortunately, his nightmare resurfaced in 2008 while he was in church, experiencing bleeding from the operated area. Rushed back to Queens, doctors discovered that a piece of wool had been left inside him during the previous surgery in 2003. Although the wool was removed, Bagile’s condition deteriorated, leading to facial swelling and dependency on painkillers for relief.
Despite recommendations for another surgery, the procedure was repeatedly postponed, leaving Bagile in a state of uncertainty. He claimed that he was once listed for medical assistance in India, only to be removed later. Nevertheless, the veracity of this claim remains unverified.
Meanwhile, Joseph Kadzakumanja, from Kapiza Village in Traditional Authority Mkukula in Dowa District, shared his ordeal. A former tobacco farmer, Kadzakumanja’s life took a drastic turn in 2018 when he was diagnosed with cerebral malaria at Dowa hospital. Following treatment, including an injection that caused adverse effects, Kadzakumanja experienced numbness in his leg, ultimately losing his ability to walk.
Struggling to afford transportation to Kamuzu Central Hospital for ongoing treatment, Kadzakumanja lamented his misery and highlighted the financial burden of seeking medical attention.
Concerned about these cases, various organizations and authorities were approached for comments. The Medical Council of Malawi (MCM) emphasized the importance of reporting concerns to health regulators for investigation before assigning blame to practitioners. MCM Registrar Davie Zolowere emphasized the commitment of practitioners to uphold the Hippocratic Oath, urging caution when attributing blame. While regrettable incidents like leaving foreign objects during surgery occur, they should be minimized, Zolowere noted.
George Jobe, Executive Director of Malawi Health Equity Network (Mhen), called for greater accountability within the Ministry of Health to address complaints regarding healthcare services. He urged patients to report issues to relevant authorities to ensure proper care is provided.
Secretary for Health Samson Mndolo reinforced the importance of raising concerns with hospitals and relevant authorities to address grievances effectively and improve healthcare delivery. In light of these experiences, it is critical to prioritize patient safety, accountability, and proactive communication within the healthcare system to prevent similar incidents and provide better care for all individuals.
Read the original article on The Times
