Revolutionizing Children’s Cancer Diagnosis at QECH with New Technology
The National Bank of Malawi donated a chemistry analyzer to Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, significantly improving children’s cancer diagnosis times from days to hours. This advancement has enhanced the accuracy of tests and enabled timely treatment decisions, alleviating stress for families. Pediatric oncologists and healthcare officials express gratitude for these advancements, highlighting the need for further resources in the department.
The prospect of a child undergoing a cancer diagnosis at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) can be overwhelming. Typically, it takes one to two days to receive results due to the limited resources, as the entire hospital utilizes a single machine for testing. Furthermore, complications can arise, requiring children to undergo the same procedure multiple times, leading to anxiety for families as their child’s health declines in the interim.
In 2023, a significant change occurred following a donation of a chemistry analyzer by the National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc, revolutionizing the diagnostic process. This new machine provides accurate results, facilitating early cancer detection in children. Among the common cancers affecting Malawian children are Leukemia, Burkitt Lymphoma, Wilms tumor, Retinoblastoma, and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, with 500 new diagnoses occurring annually at QECH.
Before the arrival of the chemistry analyzer, the Child Cancer Ward relied heavily on the main lab, which often faced reagent shortages or delays. Dr. Beatrice Chikaphonya Phiri, a pediatric oncologist at QECH, underscores the positive impact of the analyzer, noting diagnostic turnaround times have reduced to one to two hours, allowing for timely treatment decisions.
Dr. Phiri expressed gratitude towards NBM for the technology that has improved patient care, indicating that 550 tests have been conducted with very few needing repetition since its implementation. Dr. Nthambose Simango, a Pediatrics Department Registrar, shared insights about the previous challenges, highlighting that access to reliable diagnostics has enhanced patient management significantly.
The Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) Executive Director George Jobe affirmed that advancements in equipment reflect better healthcare conditions than 20 years ago, while Akossa Hiwa, Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager at NBM, reiterated the bank’s commitment to impactful and sustainable corporate social investments. This year’s theme for World Cancer Day emphasizes the importance of recognizing every cancer journey and the necessity for collaborative efforts in providing equitable care.
In summary, the implementation of the chemistry analyzer at QECH has significantly improved the speed and accuracy of cancer diagnoses for children, reducing uncertainty and facilitating prompt treatment. The enhancements in service provision were made possible through the generous donation from NBM plc, reflecting a broader commitment to advancing healthcare in Malawi. Continuous support and additional resources, such as a mobile X-ray machine, are essential for sustaining these improvements and further benefiting child patients in need.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
