The family of 30-year-old Joel Chande of Gundula Village, Traditional Authority (T/A) Nyoka in Mchinji District, is appealing for financial support for his urgent brain surgery in India.

In an interview yesterday, Chande’s sister, Annie said they cannot raise the required amount within a short time.

“The recommendation was made at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital [QECH] in Blantyre and after liaising with their counterparts in India, a proforma invoice was issued whose value the family cannot afford,” she said.

Needs brain surgery: Joel Chande

In a statement addressed to the external referral committee dated June 17 2022, QECH neurosurgeon Dr. Davis Mpando shares his findings from the medical examination.

Reads the report in part: “Joel Chande, 30, had presented to our facility with on and off headaches and visual disturbances for more than two years.”

Mpando said they are limited to manage his condition for lack of required instruments.

“I, therefore, recommend that he be considered for external referral for further treatment,” he said.

However, a proforma invoice from India shows the cost of evaluation would be $400 (about K412 400) to $500 (about K515 500), cost of procedure would be $7 000 (about K7.2 million) whose stay in hospital would be four to five days and total stay in India is around three to four weeks.

Another family member, Robert Chidyamayani, said the total amount required is about K16 million to cover all expenses for the patient and a guardian.

In an interview, Mpando admitted to have examined the patient and writing the request for external referral treatment.

For any assistance, contact Stella Chande

on 0999 551 877

The post Youth in need of brain surgery, appeals for help  appeared first on The Nation Online.