By Patricia Kapulula
Lilongwe, June 9, Mana: Government of India has donated to Malawi anti-cancer medicine worth K1.4 billion and cancer equipment which will be installed at the cancer centre in Lilongwe once operational.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nancy Tembo, announced of the donation in Lilongwe Wednesday evening after bilateral talks with the Republic of India Minister for External Affairs responsible for African Affairs, Shri Vellamvelly Muraleedharan.
The Indian Minister is on an official visit to Africa travelling to Zimbabwe from June 6 to 7, 2022 and to Malawi from June 8-10, 2022.
Tembo said the Anti cancer medicine would significantly improve the health care of Malawians suffering from non communicable diseases, particularly cancer.
“The cancer equipment is ready waiting for the centre to be operational and then we install it,” she said.
The Indian Minister’s meeting is taking place at a time critical time when the world was grappling with adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and military conflict in Europe.
The Minister said the bilateral meeting has provided an opportunity for the two countries to discuss concrete measures in order to build back from the external shocks that have derailed economic growth.
Muraleedharan said the visit was meant to discuss in detail steps to be taken to strengthen and enhance bilateral relations between India and Malawi.
“I made three major announcements beyond discussing the details of our bilateral relations.
“One is the donation of 200 computer laptops to Malawi National Assembly. Secondly is the provision of cancer medicines and thirdly, expediting the cancer treatment machine,” he said.
Government of India has donated relief materials, including essential drugs and medicines, that will assist in alleviating the plight of the victims of Tropical Storms ANA and Gombe in the disaster affected districts.
