BLANTYRE, FEBRUARY 9, 2016(CISA) – The Catholic church in Malawi has warned over continued food and drug shortage in the country’s Agriculture Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) depots and public hospitals noting that it risks putting the lives of Malawians at risk.
The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP) Acting National secretary, Martin Chiphwanya challenged the government and other concerned partners to ensure that “the right to food and essential health services is granted to Malawian citizens by making sure that maize is available in Admarc depots and that adequate drug supply is also available in all public hospitals.”
He noted that at some instances, drugs could be available in hospitals but in most cases they are stolen and as a result poor people do not have access to medicine.
“People are dying to diseases that can easily be cured. Poor people are also feeling the pinch as they don’t have the financial muscle to buy the medicine from Pharmacies,” Chiphwanya told Episcopal Conference of Malawi communications.
He added that “it is worrisome to note that in other cases, more especially in the villages, people are buying medicines in uncertified shops and pharmacies which is a big threat to their right to life.” Chiphwanya said, so far there seem to be no any punitive measures given to those caught in the act of stealing the medicine and in an event that culprits to this malpractice are caught, not heavy punishment is given to them as the society expects.
“CCJP believes that life is very sacred and all efforts should be taken to make sure that people’s lives are not put at any risk,” he said.
