By Mercy Matonga
President Lazarus Chakwera Wednesday launched the long-awaited cancer wing at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe.
Speaking during the launch of the facility, Chakwera said cancer has robbed Malawians of children, parents, relatives and friends, among others.
“And behind these statistics of death are stories of pain and heartbreak, stories of loss and the journey of thousands of coffins to the grave, stories of children left as orphans and parents left childless, and productive citizens. Stories of dreams cut short and hopes torn asunder,” Chakwera said.
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He said soon after the September 16, 2025 General Elections, he would establish a National Health Services Fund, which will independently generate additional resources for the speedy procurement of equipment, repairs and medicines for health facilities such as the cancer centre.
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Further, Chakwera expressed disappointment with the situation at Lilongwe Institute of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery (Lion) Wing, where many people are admitted due to injuries from kabaza accidents.
He emphasised the need to take responsibility for people’s safety.
“Our recently opened Lilongwe Institute of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery Wing is full of injuries from kabaza accidents. But it is high time we take responsibility for the safety of people, because we cannot keep on politicising the kabaza issue,” Chakwera said.
On her part, Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda said the health sector has improved during President Lazarus Chakwera’s tenure, with many notable developments.
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She said the newly constructed National Cancer Centre was not only a beacon of hope for Malawi, but would also serve those from neighbouring countries.
“We believe that this centre will also generate revenue, as people from neighbouring countries will come here for treatment. This is one of the best facilities among our neighbours,” Kandodo Chiponda said.
Kandodo Chiponda also praised Thom Mpinganjira for constructing a cancer hospital in Blantyre, and said the ministry was in the process of establishing a cordial relationship with Mpinganjira’s clinic to support patients.
On his part, Indian High Commissioner to Malawi Subbiah Gopalakrishnan said he was happy to see the centre becoming operational.
He added that the Indian government would continue its support, including training staff and providing free maintenance of equipment for two years.
“We will continue supporting the Malawi Government in development, including in the health sector. That’s why we, as a development partner, will provide training for staff and free medical equipment maintenance for two years,” Gopalakrishnan said.
According to chief oncologist at the facility, Leo Masamba, the hospital receives about 18,000 new cancer cases annually, the majority of which result in death due to lack of treatment.
“This is a milestone, as people will now be able to access the majority of cancer treatments here in Malawi. We are hoping to train more people to ensure smooth service delivery,” Masamba said.
