In a pure act of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and an urge for benevolence, Illovo Sugar Malawi has donated medical equipment worthy K22 million to the Cancer Unit at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) in Blantyre.
Illovo Sugar Malawi Plc Managing Director, Lekani Katandula said the medical equipment that been donated to the country’s largest referral hospital, QECH, is critical for diagnosis and effective treatment of cancer patients at the hospital, which serves the entire Southern Region.
The Illovo Sugar Malawi boss, Katandula, has disclosed that the equipment is expected to process up to 400 samples every week.
Katandula said: “The equipment aims to bring hope to those battling cancer, acknowledging that “no one should have to face the added stress of financial hardship while fighting a life-threatening disease.”
Katandula pleaded with the corporate world to assist the government in the fight against cancer.
“With the figures from the cancer unit that they do have 400 cases a week and sometimes 200 cases a day, therefore, there is a great urgent need for individuals and companies to come together and join forces with the Government in the fight against cancer,” Katandula said.
The medical equipment donation includes a Chemistry Analyzer SL300, Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) machine 2200VA, Full Blood Count Machine, Microscope, and ECG machine.
The donation has been made in response to a request from the hospital’s Head of Oncology, Dr. Leo Masamba, in September 2023.
Dr. Masamba thanking Illovo Sugar Malawi said: “I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude for the timely donation. Thank you.”
The revered medic and oncologist, Dr. Masamba therefore appealed to the private sector to emulate Illovo in addressing the challenges the hospital incessantly faces, including inadequate medical personnel, limited space for clinics and wards, and congestion.
Dr. Masamba emphasised that the facility is struggling to accommodate the growing number of patients, with Malawi recording over 18,000 new cancer cases every year.
Illovo Sugar Malawi, a leading sugar producer and supplier in Malawi, has a long history of over 100 years.
The company operates two sugar estates, Dwangwa and Nchalo, and a refinery in Limbe, producing high-quality sugar products for local and export markets.
“The equipment aims to bring hope to those battling cancer.”
Lekani Katandula
Illovo Sugar Managing Director
