03/12/2025
GOVERNMENT REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO NATIONAL HEALTHCARE, INFRASTRUCTURE AND HUMAN RESOURCES
In a comprehensive address before the National Assembly, the Minister of Health, Honourable Madalitso Baloyi, has offered firm assurances regarding the government's dedication to expanding and improving Malawi's healthcare system. The Minister's statement came in direct response to parliamentary inquiries highlighting critical infrastructure gaps across the country.
Acknowledging the prevalent concerns raised by legislators, Minister Baloyi stated, “I have observed that a significant number of questions in this House pertain to healthcare infrastructure. It is unacceptable that our citizens must travel prohibitive distances to access basic medical care. Consequently, my ministry is committed to not only constructing new facilities but also ensuring the provision of all necessary resources.”
The Minister outlined a multi-faceted strategy to address these challenges. Central to the plan is the construction of new hospitals and the substantial upgrading of existing health facilities. Ambitiously, the ministry aims to establish hospitals in all of Malawi's 20 districts, a move designed to decentralize and democratize access to quality healthcare.
Beyond bricks and mortar, Minister Baloyi emphasized the parallel need for a robust healthcare workforce. “We have concrete plans to recruit additional health personnel,” she explained. “Furthermore, we will implement promotions for existing staff to enhance morale and ensure we meet the growing demand for services.”
The Minister’s assurances provided a direct answer to the urgent appeal made by Honourable Fales Debrah Moyo, Member of Parliament for Chitipa North Constituency. In her submission, Moyo highlighted the acute need in her region, where only two hospitals, both constructed in 1979, serve the population.
“The current facilities require immediate upgrading, and new hospitals are essential to serve our growing communities,” Moyo stated. She specifically petitioned for the upgrade of Kamene Health Centre and Kapenda Health Centre to community hospital status, which would significantly expand their service capacity.
Illustrating the human impact of these infrastructural deficits, the Honourable MP revealed a dire situation: “Due to the absence of a dedicated ambulance, pregnant women in my constituency are forced to resort to motorcycles for transportation to reach care. This is a risk we cannot tolerate.”
The exchange in Parliament underscores a unified recognition of the critical need to invest in both healthcare infrastructure and human resources. The Ministry of Health's declared commitments, if fully realized, promise to markedly improve healthcare accessibility and outcomes for all Malawians.
Written Felix Banda Mangani - Jesus 24/7FM Radio