Medical professionals and representatives from the Malawi Red Cross Society have urged the government to invest in emergency stations across the country and strengthen multi-agency preparedness to disasters. This call was made during a testimony to the Parliamentary Ad-hoc Committee probing the June 10, 2024 military plane crash that killed former Vice-President Saulos Chilima and eight others. The committee heard from Mzuzu Central Hospital clinical care and trauma nurse Shidah Kanyika, former MCH director general John Chipolombwe, and anaesthetist Bright Mtambo.
Shidah Kanyika recommended that emergency centres be established at national, regional, and district levels, particularly along the Mzuzu-Lilongwe M1 road. She emphasized the need for reliable communication centres that can function in areas with poor network coverage, emergency transport equipped with essential drugs and equipment, and personal protective equipment for responders. Kanyika also suggested that the investment include trauma kits, airway equipment, resuscitation equipment, and supplies for mass casualty management.
Malawi Red Cross communications specialist Felix Washon highlighted the challenges faced during the search and rescue operations for the plane crash, including limited equipment, bad weather, tough terrain, and emotional strain. He stressed the need to strengthen national search and rescue capacity and increase annual funding allocation to disaster preparedness. Washon stated that the Red Cross needs at least over K1 billion to effectively execute its work.
The Parliamentary Ad-hoc Committee took note of the recommendations, with committee vice-chairperson James Mpunga assuring that the health committee of Parliament was aware of the challenges. The committee is scheduled to visit the crash site at Nthungwa to hear on-site testimonies from MCH medical personnel and officers from various agencies, including the Malawi Defence Force, Malawi Police Service, and Airport Fire Services.
An investigative report by the German Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation recommended that the Commander of the Malawi Air Force ensure that aero-medical data of its individual flight crew members are up-to-date and copies of the latest certificates are stored in their respective military units at all times. This recommendation is part of the ongoing investigation into the June 10, 2024 military plane crash.
The testimony from medical professionals and Malawi Red Cross Society representatives highlights the need for improved emergency response infrastructure in Malawi. The investment in emergency stations and multi-agency preparedness is crucial to ensure swift response during emergencies and reduce the risk of casualties. The Parliamentary Ad-hoc Committee's recommendations are expected to inform the government's response to the crash and future disaster preparedness efforts.
The committee's visit to the crash site is expected to provide further insight into the circumstances surrounding the plane crash and inform recommendations for improving emergency response and disaster preparedness in Malawi. The government is yet to respond to the recommendations made by the medical professionals and Malawi Red Cross Society representatives.
Key points
- Medical professionals and Malawi Red Cross Society representatives urge government to invest in emergency stations and strengthen multi-agency preparedness to disasters.
- The Parliamentary Ad-hoc Committee takes note of recommendations and plans to visit the crash site to hear on-site testimonies.
- An investigative report recommends that the Commander of the Malawi Air Force ensure aero-medical data of flight crew members are up-to-date.
