By Rahim Abdul
Malawi could soon reduce its reliance on expensive overseas medical referrals as government moves to strengthen health cooperation within the region, with Tanzania emerging as a key partner in specialised healthcare delivery.
Health Minister Madalitso Baloyi says the country is considering a bilateral agreement that would allow Malawian patients in need of specialised treatment to receive care in Tanzania, a move expected to ease pressure on both government finances and struggling families.
Speaking during a tour of Benjamin Mkapa Hospital in Tanzania, Baloyi revealed that nearly 1,900 Malawians are currently waiting to be referred for specialised treatment abroad, most of them destined for far off countries such as India at high cost.
She noted that accessing advanced medical services in Tanzania would not only shorten travel distances for patients but also significantly cut referral expenses, allowing government to redirect resources to other critical areas of the health sector.
Beyond patient referrals, the proposed partnership is also expected to deepen collaboration between the two countries through joint training programmes, medical research initiatives and exchange of health professionals.
Baloyi expressed confidence that Tanzania’s fast-growing healthcare infrastructure, anchored by facilities such as Benjamin Mkapa Hospital, can help bridge Malawi’s gap in specialised medical services while long term local capacity is being developed.
Tanzania’s Minister of Health, Mohammed Mchengerwa, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a practical and sustainable approach to regional health cooperation that benefits both countries.
If concluded, the agreement is expected to bring specialised healthcare closer to Malawians, reduce referral backlogs and mark a major shift towards regional solutions in addressing shared health challenges.
