President Dr. Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera has donated 400 bags of maize and other food supplies to the newly renamed John Chilembwe Hospital in Phalombe.

Chakwera made the donation on his tour of the hospital a few days after he directed the change of the name from Phalombe District Hospital to John Chilembwe Hospital.

The President said he had decided to rename the health facility after the martyred freedom fighter, Reverend John Chilembwe, who was gunned to death on 3 February 1915.

Chakwera said the donated food supplies are aimed at easing the pressure the hospital faces to feed the patients.

He said his government remains committed to improving the welfare of both health workers as well as patients.

This afternoon, President Chakwera will preside over the installation of Senior Chief Kaduya of Phalombe to the rank of Paramount Chief.

Kaduya succeeds departed Paramount Chief Ngolongoliwa of Thyolo district.