Fund raising for "pH probe" - Statement by Health Department

One of the local newspapers, recently published a letter in which an appeal to the public was made to collect Lm56,000 for the purchase of an "pH probe" by an individual. It was also mentioned that this equipment would be donated by the same individual to St. Luke's Hospital.

The Department of Health would like to remind the general public that fund-raising by individuals or non official bodies for governmental projects, needs the permission from the authorities of the department concerned.

In this case, no request was ever made for such fund-raising to the Health Department. Furthermore, the equipment in question does not cost Lm56,000; it is estimated to cost about Lm5000 and a request for the purchase of such equipment by the Health Department, is currently being processed.