Fire Destroys Mangochi District Hospital’s Section
The Martenal and Child Health department at Mangochi district hospital has been damaged by fire.
According to Mangochi district health officer Dr Henry Chibowa the cause of the fire is suspected to be an electric fault.
Dr Chibowa further said they had called fire extinguishers from Marine at Monkeybay disappointingly the vehicle was not deployed.
“I commend the community for its quick response to extinguish the fire and rescue medical drugs as well as equipment,” Dr Chibowa said
Commenting public relations officer for Mangochi police inspector Rodrick Maida said police has helped to tighten security in order to secure the drugs and other hospital equipment from criminals.
The caterpillar was used to bring down the building in order to stop the fire.
Meanwhile, Department of Disaster Management Affairs DODMA has donated various items such as mattresses, blankets, Rice and plastic pails to Mangochi district hospital in response to the fire accident.
Speaking when handing over the relief vice president Dr Saulos Chilima expressed government’s shock on the disasters occurring in the country.
“The disasters like floods, road accidents and fire have caused huge damage,” said Dr Chilima
The vice president thanked people of Mangochi for extinguishing the fire which erupted at the district hospital on 15th April, 2018.
Dr Chilima said during such tragic moments communities should show love and unity.
“The effort of people in Mangochi showed the dedication of citizens in protecting government institutions,” stressed the Vice president
Dr Chilima asked Mangochi council to assess the wiring system in all government buildings to prevent disasters in the district.
Commenting Paul Kalilombe director of DODMA commended Ministry of health for supplying fridges to Mangochi district hospital.
“My office is doing everything possible to make sure that disaster equipment is available,” said Kalilombe
In his part Mangochi district commissioner Mosses Chimphepo stressed the need for training on fire drills which is most important during disasters.
” I am worried that there is no fire extinguisher vehicles in Mangochi,” said Chimphepo
Speaking earlier at the function Mangochi district health officer Dr Henry Chibowa said k330, 800 is required to replace all equipment which was damaged for the facility to resume its normal work.
A social and health activist based in Mangochi Dickens Mahwayo has advised government to be proactive in disaster preparedness for the country to be free from preventable disasters.
“It is worrisome that government is still reluctant to provide necessary equipment to contain disasters in Mangochi district which is prone to disasters,” said Mahwayo
