Minister warns health workers against negligence

Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi has owned healthcare workers against negligence and vowed that the ministry will not relent in fighting all forms of corruption and bribery to ensure excellent service delivery. The minister, speaking during a tour of Mwanza District Hospital, was commenting on a report about an expectant woman who delivered a stillborn allegedly due to delayed access to medical assistance. It is alleged that some healthcare workers at the facility asked the woman in labour to pay K100 000 to be assisted to deliver the child.

However, due to the delay to get assistance, the woman delivered a stillborn. Baloyi described the conduct of the concerned healthcare workers as unacceptable, emphasising that services at government hospitals are free and that no one should be asked to pay for treatment. “My office will deal with anyone who puts the lives of Malawians at risk,” she said.

The minister further urged all health workers in the country to avoid corruption and bribery, warning that the ministry will take action against anyone involved, without favouritism as such bad practices are on the rise. Meanwhile, presidential adviser on safe motherhood Maria Mainja, who accompanied the minister, said President Peter Mutharika established initiatives to ensure proper maternal health and anyone involved in corruption and bribery will face the law. “The Office of the President will not tolerate any behaviour that puts the lives of Malawians at risk,” she said.

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Last week, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation dismissed five health practitioners over allegations of absenteeism, abscondment, negligence, corruption and other misconduct. Ministry of Health and Sanitation communication specialist, Benedicto Mbewe confirmed the development. Early this month, Baloyi witnessed corruption first-hand when she disguised herself as a patient at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe where she experienced bribery and disregard for patients’ privacy. During her undercover operation, she observed some clinicians receiving money from patients so that they are assisted faster.

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