People seeking specialised diagnosis can now expect faster and more accurate CT scanning services following the return of a critical diagnostic facility.
The development comes after Blantyre Adventist Hospital received a US$720,000 machine (about K1.2 billion), from First Capital Bank (FCB) in partnership with the Anadkat and Kantaria families.
The new scanner is expected to serve patients from Blantyre and surrounding areas, replacing one donated by the two families in 2014 that later malfunctioned.
Presenting the donation on behalf of the two families, FCB founder Hitesh Anadkat said access to quality healthcare depends not only on skilled professionals but also on the equipment available to them.
“Access to quality healthcare depends not only on skilled healthcare professionals, but also on the availability of the equipment they need to diagnose and treat patients,” said Anadkat.
He said replacing the previous scanner would help ensure that patients continue to access an essential diagnostic service when they need it.
FCB chief executive officer Agness Jazza said the donation reflects the bank and the families’ continued commitment to initiatives that improve community wellbeing and access to essential services.
“With CT scanning playing an important role in modern diagnosis, the availability of a reliable machine is particularly significant in Malawi, where access to advanced diagnostic equipment remains limited,” said Jazza.
Blantyre Adventist Hospital chief executive officer Kirby Kasinja thanked FCB and the Anadkat and Kantaria families for supporting the hospital after the previous scanner became faulty.
“We are grateful to FCB and the Anadkat and Kantaria families for this state-of-the-art CT machine. We needed this gadget, it makes a huge difference as patients will get the best diagnosis and the doctors will know how to treat them,” said Kasinja.
The hospital provides specialised services including radiology, intensive care, emergency care, theatre services, physiotherapy, pharmacy, dental care, nutrition and haemodialysis.
Guest of honour and Ministry of Health and Sanitation Director of Clinical Services Dr Frank Sinyiza also hailed the donation, saying the equipment would contribute to improved healthcare delivery.
“Expanding CT Scan services like you have done today will help government reduce expenditure on patients who are referred out of the country for similar services,” said Sinyiza.
