By Bester Kayaye
Petroleum Importers Limited (PIL), which is a consortium of fuel importing companies in Malawi, says it is committed to intensify efforts aimed at supporting the Malawi Government in enhancing provision of quality health services in the country.
PIL Operations Manager Edmond Pingani said this after donating 1500 intravenous drips worth K4.5 million to Blantyre District Health Office (DHO) in a quest to combat the cholera outbreak which has hit most districts in Malawi including Blantyre.
Pingani said PIL has joined the fight against cholera as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy which is focused on assisting government in the provision of quality social services in the areas of Health and Education.
Pingani said; “We are making this donation on behalf of our shareholders, Vivo, Puma, Total and Petroda to compliment what government is already doing despite the challenges that we are facing as a country. Today we are donating 1,500 IV drips worth 4.5million and we urge more corporate bodies to join hands with us in supporting government to eradicate this pandemic
“Cholera is claiming lives, and it is affecting a lot of people, young and old. The government is doing all it fight to stop the pandemic through mass vaccinations, awareness campaigns and provision of medication and is overwhelmed. We believe as corporate entities we have a role to play to assist government.”
“We are aware that most hospitals are experiencing a shortage of medication to treat this outbreak resulting in more deaths. The shortage of Oral Re-hydration Solutions (ORS), proper cholera treatment water, and many more make it difficult for hospitals to treat this disease.”
In his remarks, Pharmacy Technician at Blantyre DHO Vuso Tembo hailed PIL for the donation saying it is a timely response considering the number of people diagnosed with the pandemic in Blantyre alone.
Tembo said: “As Blantyre DHO, we are very grateful for this timely intervention. Despite the fact that the cases are dropping, there is need for more efforts to ensure consistency until the outbreak is controlled. As of yesterday we have had 7360 cumulative cases of which 201 died and 54 new cases.”