The Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) has donated air conditioning units to five hospitals in a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative aimed at enhancing the storage of medicines in these facilities. 

The five beneficiary hospitals include Nambuma Mission Hospital in Dowa, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Mission Hospital in Mchinji, Ntcheu District Hospital, Blantyre District Hospital, and Chikwawa District Hospital. 

The hospitals were identified during a recent routine post-market quality surveillance activity by the Authority, which revealed inadequate temperature control in their medicine storage areas. Proper temperature regulation is essential for maintaining the potency, safety, and effectiveness of medicines. Without appropriate storage conditions, medicines can degrade, reducing their therapeutic benefits and potentially endangering patient health. 

“As a regulatory authority, PMRA has a critical role to ensure the proper handling and storage of medicines. However, we also recognise our social responsibility to support healthcare facilities in meeting the required standards. This donation is part of our commitment to safeguarding public health,” said Mphatso Kawaye, Director General of PMRA. 

Total cost for the donation, including installation expenses is about K22 million. 

Picture: Medicine Inspector Susan Kamtwanje captured during installation of one of the units at Blantyre DHO on Monday.