By Suleman Chitera
The National Bank of Malawi (NBM) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving community health services after donating medical equipment worth K20 million to Area 25 Community Health Centre in Lilongwe.
The donation, which includes wheelchairs, hospital beds, mattresses, blood pressure machines, lockable cabinets, and surgical kits, among other critical items, is aimed at strengthening service delivery at one of the city’s busiest public health facilities.
Speaking during the handover ceremony on Friday, NBM Kanengo Service Centre Team Leader, Steve Chimbalu Thunduwatha, said the bank responded directly to the health centre’s most urgent needs as part of its corporate social responsibility agenda.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, NBM is committed to supporting initiatives that improve the wellbeing of Malawians. This donation was carefully selected to address the most pressing challenges faced by Area 25 Community Health Centre, particularly in maternal and neonatal care,” said Thunduwatha.
He added that NBM believes access to quality healthcare is key to national development and pledged the bank’s continued support to community-focused interventions.
Receiving the donation, Area 25 Community Health Centre Matron, Modestar Nyando, hailed NBM for the timely support, noting that the facility handles an average of about 750 childbirth deliveries every month, placing enormous pressure on available resources.
“This equipment will significantly improve our capacity to provide quality maternal and neonatal services. With the high number of deliveries we record monthly, such support is not just welcome but critical,” said Nyando.
She further emphasized that the donated equipment will help enhance patient safety, reduce congestion, and improve working conditions for healthcare workers.
The donation has been widely welcomed by the local community, with health officials describing it as a major boost to efforts aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal complications.
NBM’s gesture underscores the growing role of the private sector in complementing government efforts to strengthen Malawi’s healthcare system, particularly at community level where demand for services continues to rise.
