Govt to spend K312M for VP’s wife medical coverage in SA
By Antony Isaiah
Treasurely has approved the government provision funding of K311.98 Million to cover a scheduled medical procedure for the wife to the vice president, Dr Saulos Chilima in South Africa.
According to the memo dated 19th September, 2022 addressed to the state president, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera file referenced CAV/36/11 from the Office of the President and Cabinet, the vice president, Dr Saulos Chilima requested an initial K311.98 million to cover a medical trip for his wife, among others, accommodation,air travel fares, External travel allowances, Vehicle hiring charges, Local Security costs and food rations for supporting staff.
“I would like to inform Your Excellency that following Your Excellency’s instruction My Office engaged the secretary for the Treasury and reviewed an initial budget for the medical trip amounting to Three Hundred and Eleven Million, Nine Hundred and Eighty Thousand Kwacha (K311.98 million) which the Office of the Vice President had earlier submitted. The budget comprised expenses for accommodation, air travel, local security costs and allowances, Vehicle hiring charges, food rations for Madam Mary Chilima and four support staff,” reads part of the memo.
Director of Communications in the Office of the Vice President Pilirani Phiri confirmed the development but could not divulge the details of the Madam Chilima’s illness and ancillary costs.
“I can confirm that Mrs Mary Chilima is in need of medical attention in South Africa. But we will not be drawn into explaining the details of her illness and ancillary costs,” said Phiri.
