Renowned Malawian Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Professor John David Chiphangwi passed away on 29th October 2002 at Mwaiwathu Hospital in Blantyre after a long illness. At the time of his death, Professor Chiphangwi had already concluded his second contract with the University of Malawi as Principal of the College of Medicine. In recognition of his exemplary leadership and commitment to the health of his people, the Council of the University of Malawi accorded Dr Chiphangwi the status of Emeritus Professor and made him advisor of the College of Medicine when he retired in July of 2001.
Generally accepted as the father and founder of the College or Medicine for which he was Coordinator from. 1987 up to 1993, Professor Chiphangwi's death sent shock waves across our country in particular and the world in general. This happened because he was a rare gem in a country where many Malawian doctors had chosen to remain abroad in order to meet their economic needs at the expense of the local taxpayers who were responsible for their training. Professor Chiphangwi's funeral ceremony at his home village of Abunu in T/A Mthiramanja in Mulanje bore evidence to this when mourners from all walks of life, led by the Right Honourable Vice-President Mr. Justine Malewezi, converged at his house to pay their last respect. Professor Chiphangwi epitomized the nobility of the medical profession to which he fully committed himself.
Laid to rest on 31st October 2001, this illustrious citizen was born on 17th December, 1936. His father was a tea estate clerk and his mother a primary school teacher. He attended Chonde, Kapichi and Luchenza Primary Schools in his home area and received his secondary school education at Henry Henderson Institute in Blantyre, Zomba Catholic and Dedza. He proceeded to the University of Aberdeen in Scotland where he graduated with Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MB ChB) in 1966. In 1973, he achieved his Masters in Medicine (MMed) from Makerere University in Uganda and received his membership of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. The fellowship of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (FRCOG) followed in 1987.
Professor Chiphangwi will be remembered him for the many good things he did throughout his career as a clinician and as the second Principal of the College of Medicine. In 1978 when he was the head of the Obstestrics and Gynaecology Department at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, he did what everybody else could not risk doing in the one party era of the MCP regime under Dr H. Kamuzu Banda. That Christmas when Dr Banda arrived in his ward, late Professor Chiphangwi showed the President how overcrowded it was. Dr Banda who previously was never shown the congestion which characterized the wards at QECH, responded by initiating one of the few substantial healthcare facilities built during his rule, the Gogo Chatinkha Maternity Wing, opened in 1980 and named after his sister. This example goes a long way towards demonstrating the caring attitude Professor Chiphangwi had towards his patients and the courage he possessed as a Professional. Looking back, one wonders what kind of maternity services would have been like at the teaching hospital of Queen Elizabeth, if Gogo Chatinkha Maternity Wing were not constructed. But, like the self-effacing man late Professor Chiphangwi was, the good reputation he established for himself with the story cited above, never went to his head. Instead he continued working very hard. In fact, for a very long time he was the only specialist in his field working day and night at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital.
He was the coordinator of the medical school project that was responsible for the birth of the College of Medicine. Later as Principal, he proved to all those who were critically watching his steps that he was a man of vision. The plans he put in place and turned into action, led to the creation of a fine institution which has won international recognition for its community health thrust suitable to the needs of Malawi in particular, and to those of the Southern Africa Region in general. Furthermore, he was instrumental in the establishment of Mzuzu University that continues to thrive despite the fact that many doubting Thomases did not give it a chance for survival.
Always keen to contribute to the proper national policy formulation in the health sector amidst formidable odds, he quietly and tactfully encouraged public debate on birth control and HIV/AIDS in 1985 when Dr Banda was not keen to hear discussion of these topics in public. While Principal of COM, he continued to participate in the collaborative AIDS Research Project with Johns Hopkins University.
In his role as Principal of College of Medicine, Professor Chiphangwi was a leader of remarkable qualities. He fully understood all the main issues affecting his institution and shared his understanding with all the stakeholders without appearing to be patronizing. As a team builder, he made sure that he helped all the team players to perform to their optimal level. Always ready to listen to others carefully and patiently, he was also unusually fair to his ardent critics no matter how flimsy their basis for criticizing him was. The desire to gain cheap popularity did not influence his decision-making because he was a man of principle. Consequently, he was able to be tough when circumstances demanded toughness. Similarly, he exercised leniency when it was necessary to be lenient. Needless to say therefore that during the period he led the College of Medicine, he commanded the respect of all his constituents. In fact, nobody in his management team ever wished to disappoint him because he was an honest leader you could trust. His decision-making was always guided by verifiable facts and not sentiments. He cared for his staff members as much as he looked after his students. He was not just a head of an institution. He was a unifying force for all.
It is all these enduring qualities which make all those who knew Professor Chiphangwi regret his death. As he rests in peace, the wish of many is that God should shower on his second wife Doreen and his four sons from his two marriages his blessings. He alleviated the suffering of many. It is therefore only fair that his family too should benefit from others the kindness he stood for. The John Chiphangwi Lecture Theatre is a reminder to all those who knew him of the great work he did for his nation.