Malawian President Lazarus Chakwera has issued an executive order barring employees of public hospitals and state-run health facilities from owning, operating, or holding shares in private clinics or pharmacies.
The measure aims to curb conflicts of interest and corruption in the health sector.
Issued on Tuesday, February 17, the order also prohibits government health workers from soliciting, demanding, or accepting payments or monetary favors from patients as a condition for treatment.
It follows recent remarks by Health Minister Madalitso Baloyi, who alleged that some medical practitioners were demanding large sums from patients and guardians in public hospitals in exchange for services.
The executive order accuses some health personnel of advising patients to seek care at private clinics for “better” treatment—a practice President Chakwera called unlawful, unethical, and wholly unacceptable.
Chakwera stated that such conduct violates patients’ constitutional right to free public health services.
Public health employees who own private facilities have 30 days to divest their stakes.
“Any employee currently holding such ownership or shares must divest within thirty (30) days from the date of this Executive Order,” the directive states. “Failure to comply shall result in dismissal and further legal action as appropriate.”
The Malawi Health Equity Network welcomed the move as a “bold and long-overdue intervention” to shield Malawians from illegal payments, coercion, and discrimination.
However, the group called for strict enforcement, including safe reporting mechanisms and whistleblower protections.
Xinhua
