Maize, drugs shortage irks CCJP

Advertisement
admack

One of the country’s influential organizations has expressed concern that the Peter Mutharika administration is making little effort in ensuring that lives of Malawians are not at risk.

The Catholic Commission for Justice and Peace (CCJP), say the continued food and drug shortage in the country’s Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (Admarc) depots and public hospitals respectively is dangerous for Malawians.

admack
No maize in Admarc’s depots.

CCJP acting national secretary, Martin Chiphwanya says drugs are being stolen from the country’s hospitals 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,” said Chiphwanya adding 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 his organisation found that in Chikhwawa people are queuing up at Admarc depots for long hours, some even spending nights in order to buy maize grain. He said locals are being allowed to purchase 20kgs of maize per person.

Currently, at local markets a bag of 50kgs is selling at K13,000 a situation Chiphwanya described as pathetic to a poor person in the lower shire

He also disclosed that some selfish politicians are taking advantage of the hunger situation by buying maize dubiously and donating in hospitals and during rallies with the aim of achieving political ambitions.

Chiphwanya has since challenged government and other concerned partners to ensure that the right to food and essential health services is guaranteed to Malawian citizens by making sure that maize is available Admarc depots and that adequate drug supply is also available in all public hospitals.