Transforming Pediatric Cancer Diagnoses at QECH with Innovative Technology
The introduction of a chemistry analyzer at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, donated by National Bank of Malawi, has dramatically improved the speed and accuracy of childhood cancer diagnostics, reducing waiting times from days to hours and greatly alleviating stress for patients and families. This advancement addresses longstanding challenges in pediatric oncological care in Malawi, although further needs remain.
At Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH), parents often face distressing news when their children require a cancer diagnosis. The hospital uses a single machine for this process, causing delays and requiring children to undergo tests multiple times due to lost samples. These anxieties have significantly affected families, especially while awaiting diagnosis results during their child’s health decline.
In 2023, the introduction of a chemistry analyzer, donated by National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc, has transformed this experience, enabling quicker and more accurate cancer testing for children. Common childhood cancers in Malawi include Leukemia, Burkitt Lymphoma, Wilms tumor, Retinoblastoma, and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, with QECH identifying about 500 cancer cases annually and an average of 20-30 new patients monthly.
The installation of the analyzer has reduced diagnosis time from several days to just one or two hours, significantly alleviating the stress on families and healthcare providers. Dr. Beatrice Chikaphonya Phiri, a Pediatric Oncologist at QECH, noted that the new machine facilitates timely and accurate test results, improving patient management significantly.
Dr. Chikaphonya Phiri expressed gratitude for the donation, stating that since acquiring the analyzer, over 550 samples have been processed, with very few requiring repetition. Dr. Nthambose Simango, a pediatric registrar, echoed her sentiment, stressing that previous delays due to reagent shortages and overloaded labs hindered patient care.
While the chemistry analyzer has improved operation, there remains a need for consistent reagent supplies and a mobile X-ray machine, which is crucial for cases when patients cannot be transported to the imaging department for assessment.
George Jobe, Executive Director of the Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN), highlighted how advancements in medical equipment have significantly improved healthcare capabilities over the years.
NBM plc’s Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager, Akossa Hiwa, emphasized the importance of sustainable and impactful initiatives in their corporate social investments, reinforcing the positive difference the chemistry analyzer has made in the lives of children with cancer in Malawi.
The donation of the chemistry analyzer at QECH has notably streamlined the cancer diagnosis process for children, reducing wait times and improving accuracy. The support from NBM plc is crucial for enhancing pediatric oncological care, yet ongoing needs for reagents and additional equipment highlight the challenges still faced in treatment management. Collectively, these advancements represent a significant step toward better healthcare for children in Malawi.
Original Source: www.nyasatimes.com
