Adventist Church Calls for Renewal of Compassionate Care Among Health Workers

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Malawi has intensified its call for compassionate, Christ-centered healthcare, urging its medical personnel to recommit themselves to ethical and professional patient care.

Speaking during the closing of Health Emphasis Week on 20 December 2025 at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Area 24, Malawi Union Health Director Dr. Chitsa Banda emphasized that Adventist health workers must reflect the values of their faith through exemplary service to patients.

Dr. Banda acknowledged growing public concern, including reports and rumors suggesting that some health workers who are members of the Adventist Church have been involved in unprofessional conduct such as verbal abuse, neglect of duty, and delayed medical attention—actions that undermine patient trust and safety.

He stressed that healthcare provides a unique platform for witnessing, noting that compassionate treatment of patients is a powerful expression of the gospel.
“One of the strongest ways we preach is through our conduct. When patients experience the love of Jesus through care and compassion, it strengthens both their healing and their faith,” Dr. Banda said.

He reminded congregants that the Church’s mission extends beyond worship, calling on every local church to operate as a center of healing where physical, emotional, and spiritual restoration can take place.

Highlighting the critical role of nurses and doctors in national development, Dr. Banda underscored the importance of professionalism in reducing maternal and newborn mortality. He said Malawi’s future depends heavily on a healthcare system that protects the lives of mothers and children through timely and skilled care.

Church elder Mwanza reinforced the message, urging Adventist health professionals to turn away from harmful practices and model their service on Christ’s example of humility, kindness, and selfless love.

Dr. Banda delivered his sermon under the theme “Comprehensive Health Ministry,” accompanied by Hymn 78, “Pulumutsa Omwe Ali Kufa.” He encouraged believers to renew their faith, actively share the gospel, and live in obedience to God’s word, which he described as foundational to holistic health.

The service featured uplifting performances by the church choir and the Messengers group, adding to the spiritual atmosphere of the program.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Banda appealed directly to Adventist nurses and doctors to let their daily work reflect genuine compassion, integrity, and obedience to God.

Dr. Chitsa Banda is a retired civil servant, former soldier, and medical doctor. He previously served as personal physician to former President Joyce Banda and currently serves as the Malawi Union Health Director of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.