The laboratory complex was one of the first to be built in the 1960s when the hospital began its life in the present location.     Since then, the throughput of patient numbers, the diversity of needs and available diagnostic tests has increased exponentially.  Over a number of years, successive Laboratory Technicians have asked for improvements but the money required was in excess of any grant funding available through MACS.   However, in 2009, a generous legacy was put at our disposal and the plans were able to go ahead.

HIV alone demands 3,259 tests p.a.;
Haemoglobin levels checked on 15,397

 In earlier days, an X ray machine room with developing facilities was also a part of the area.   Now however, with a new purpose-built X ray unit,  the space has been vacated to allow for different use and more efficient distribution of activities.

On Thursday 15th April the keys of the newly –refurbished laboratory were symbolically handed-over to the Proprietor— the Bishop of Upper Shire—the Rt Revd Brighton Malasa by the Managing Director of the Contracting company  Kungoni,  Mr Mlongoti.   Seated behind is the Senior Medical Officer  Susannah Woodd, delighted with the improvements and new capacities of the laboratory to test and assist with diagnoses for the patients.

Mr Chingani—newly appointed Laboratory Technician to head up the work;   more than 27,000  blood smears  were checked for MALARIA in one year  !!!

Mr Chingani

Blood transfusion is an important treatment with so many patients severely anaemic from poor nutrition, recurrent malarial attacks and endemic bilharzia.

Over 1,000 units were transfused at the last annual count.