Jappie tells Malawi hospitals to grow own maize to feed patients

Information minister Jappie Mhango has told district health officers to change their mindset and be innovative by growing maize to feed patients. [caption id="attachment_96958" align="alignright" width="297"] Jappie Mhango: Be innovative[/caption] Mhango said this in Chitipa when he donated 100 bags of maize and 10 bags of beans at the district hospital donated by the ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP). Mhango said it is high time hospitals acquired land where they can cultivate land to grow maize and other crops that can feed patients. "Always be innovative, you cannot go on suffering, failing to feed patients waiting for assistance from donors and government," said Mhango who is also government spokesman. Officials at the hospital said patients get a meal a day instead of the normal three meals due to lack of funds. District Hospital Officer Moffat Kambalame thanked the DPP for the donation, saying it would alleviate problems faced by the hospital due to lack of money. Kambalame said the financial situation has worsened due to the pulling out of a Norwegian NGO, Norad, which he said assisted the hospital with food and fuel for ambulances. Ministry of Health officials are yet to comment on Mhango's suggestion that has surprised many.