Malawi Pharmacists Association welcomes APM’s order barring public health practitioners from owning private clinics and pharmacies

Malawi Pharmacists Association (MPA) has welcomed President Arthur Peter Mutharika’s order barring health practitioners working in public hospitals from owning private clinics and pharmacies, describing the move as a step toward restoring integrity in the health sector.

In a public statement by the Association’s President Enock Foster, the association said it acknowledges findings from a recent journalists’ joint investigation into the public health system and supports the President’s executive directive as well as efforts by the Minister of Health and Sanitation to reform the sector, particularly in pharmaceutical services.

MPA said the order will help address longstanding concerns about conflict of interest and the diversion of medicines meant for public facilities to private businesses.

It also commended the establishment of a whistleblowing mechanism aimed at tackling cases where patients are forced to pay for services that are supposed to be free in public hospitals.

“As pharmacists, we commit to upholding the highest ethical standards and prioritising patients’ interests,” reads part of the statement.

MPA said it remains committed to working with authorities to build an ethical and transparent pharmaceutical sector that safeguards Malawians’ health.