Authorities in Malawi are developing policies to generate additional revenue for underfunded public hospitals, not to commercialise healthcare, Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi has said.
She made the remarks in an interview at Parliament on Wednesday, explaining that the policies will guide the introduction of paying services in selected public hospitals.
Baloyi said the move is aimed at supporting struggling facilities amid declining donor support, while ensuring free services remain for patients who cannot afford to pay.
The policies will also help standardize fees, which currently vary across hospitals, and improve transparency in how funds are used.
“We want to make sure that Malawians are able to access paying services for those that are able to pay, while safeguarding those who cannot,” said Baloyi.
Parliament’s Health Committee has backed the initiative, highlighting persistent financing gaps in the health sector.
Supported the move- Masamba
“There are gaps in health financing, and while paying wards are generating substantial revenue, we need clear policies to ensure these resources are properly managed and that vulnerable people remain protected,” said committee chairperson Anthony Masamba.
