As part of strengthening cordial relations between the police and community members, Mobile Police Officers based at ECCO Division in Zomba donated assorted items to patients and cleaned the Pirimiti Mission Hospital compound.
Speaking after the donation, ECCO Division Commander Senior Superintendent Phillias Phiri said that for the police to perform exceptionally well, support from community members is essential, hence the need to enhance good relationships.
“We always say that we are friends of the community members, and this should not just be a slogan. Our actions must reflect it as well.
That is why we thought it wise to come and cheer the patients with some food items,” said Phiri.
Phiri further explained that the officers also cleaned the hospital compound through sweeping and slashing to ensure that patients live in a safe environment.
He added that improving patients’ health and well-being is a shared responsibility.
In his remarks, Head of Department at Pirimiti Mission Hospital, Happy Bruno, thanked the officers for the gesture, saying the hospital serves over 40,000 people, many of whom come from rural areas with poor backgrounds.
He noted that the donated items will help patients meet some of their daily needs.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Akonda Walusa expressed gratitude, saying the items had come at the right time as she had no money to buy some of the foodstuffs.
In total, the officers reached out to 40 patients with assorted items including flour, sugar, soap, soya pieces, salt, and matches. The total cost of the items was K500,000, which was contributed by the officers themselves.
