By Rahim Abdul
The Malawi Government has ordered all major public hospitals to establish fee paying sections as part of measures to ease financial pressure on the country’s health sector.
The directive comes at a time when Malawi is facing economic challenges following the suspension and reduction of health funding from some international cooperating partners.
Minister of Health Madalitso Baloyi said that the move is intended to help government raise additional resources to support operations and improve service delivery in public health facilities.
Baloyi stressed that paying for services will be optional, explaining that free healthcare services will continue to be provided in designated sections of the hospitals.
He said the initiative is meant to offer patients a choice, particularly those who can afford to pay for improved services, while safeguarding access to free healthcare for vulnerable citizens.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Committee on Health chairperson Anthony Masamba has welcomed the decision, describing it as a timely intervention to address funding gaps in the health sector.
Masamba said revenue generated from the fee paying sections could be used to improve the quality of services, availability of drugs, and overall conditions in public hospitals.
The government believes the policy will help strengthen the health system amid declining donor support, while ensuring that essential healthcare services remain accessible to all Malawians.
