Three pregnant women died during cesarean sections at Mzimba District Hospital, raising serious concerns from the Mzimba Youth Organization. The group's Executive Director, Rev. Moses Nkhana, started looking into these deaths through their independent investigation. Early findings point to possible mistakes by anesthetic clinical technicians who handled the procedures. MYO discovered the women should have been sent to Mzuzu Central Hospital for better care.
"The surgical team insisted on doing operations at Mzimba District Hospital despite recommendations for transfer," explained Nkhana. He added that certain hospital leaders tried to hide facts about the incidents and shield the responsible anesthetists from consequences. MYO has asked Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda to step in and address these serious claims. The organization threatened protests if staff members involved remain at their posts.
Adrian Chikumbe, speaking for the Ministry of Health, told Malawi24 they know about the deaths. During his conversation with reporter Ephraim Mkali Banda, Chikumbe confirmed the ministry appreciates public attention on this matter. "We are conducting a maternal audit and request time to complete our investigations," he stated. When asked about when the investigation might finish, Chikumbe could not provide a specific date but promised updates once completed.
Malawi24 decided against publishing the names of medical personnel who performed the cesarean sections. These deaths happened as Malawi pushes efforts to promote safe childbirth practices and encourage women to deliver babies at healthcare facilities rather than at home. The incidents create a troubling contradiction against national campaigns urging pregnant women to trust hospital care for safer deliveries. Health officials face pressure to resolve these cases quickly and restore public confidence.
"The surgical team insisted on doing operations at Mzimba District Hospital despite recommendations for transfer," explained Nkhana. He added that certain hospital leaders tried to hide facts about the incidents and shield the responsible anesthetists from consequences. MYO has asked Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda to step in and address these serious claims. The organization threatened protests if staff members involved remain at their posts.
Adrian Chikumbe, speaking for the Ministry of Health, told Malawi24 they know about the deaths. During his conversation with reporter Ephraim Mkali Banda, Chikumbe confirmed the ministry appreciates public attention on this matter. "We are conducting a maternal audit and request time to complete our investigations," he stated. When asked about when the investigation might finish, Chikumbe could not provide a specific date but promised updates once completed.
Malawi24 decided against publishing the names of medical personnel who performed the cesarean sections. These deaths happened as Malawi pushes efforts to promote safe childbirth practices and encourage women to deliver babies at healthcare facilities rather than at home. The incidents create a troubling contradiction against national campaigns urging pregnant women to trust hospital care for safer deliveries. Health officials face pressure to resolve these cases quickly and restore public confidence.
