Malawi has banned public doctors and other government health workers from owning or operating private clinics, in a sweeping move aimed at tackling corruption and conflicts of interest in the healthcare system.
The directive was issued through an executive order signed by Peter Mutharika on Tuesday. The order also prohibits public health employees from soliciting, demanding, or accepting unofficial payments or favours from patients before providing treatment at government-run facilities.
Government Targets Corruption, Patient Exploitation
The action follows concerns raised by Madalitso Baloyi over allegations that some medical personnel demanded large sums of money from patients and their families in exchange for healthcare services in public hospitals.
According to the executive order, some health workers were also accused of directing patients to private clinics to receive better treatment, a practice the government described as unlawful, unethical, and unacceptable.
President Mutharika said such behaviour undermines citizens’ constitutional right to access public healthcare and erodes trust in the national health system.
30-Day Deadline For Compliance
Under the new rule, public health workers who currently own or hold shares in private clinics or pharmacies must relinquish their interests within 30 days or face dismissal and possible legal action.
“Any employee currently holding such ownership or shares must divest within thirty (30) days… Failure to comply shall result in dismissal and further legal action,” the directive stated.
The Malawi Health Equity Network welcomed the measure, calling it a bold and long-overdue intervention to protect patients from illegal charges, coercion, and discrimination in public hospitals.
However, the group urged strict enforcement, including the creation of safe reporting channels and whistleblower protections to ensure accountability across the health sector.
The government says the reform is part of broader efforts to strengthen transparency, fairness, and service delivery in Malawi’s public healthcare system.
(Source: Xinhua/NAN)