Malawians seeking care in public hospitals could soon experience a more transparent and efficient system, following the rollout of digital payment solutions in selected health facilities aimed at improving accountability and service delivery.
The initiative, being implemented through a partnership between the Ministry of Health and FDH Bank plc, is part of broader reforms to privatise certain public health services and strengthen resource mobilisation across the sector.
Under the arrangement, facilities are allowed to charge structured user fees and retain revenue, creating a need for systems that ensure transactions are transparent, accountable and easy to track.
Speaking during a cocktail event in Salima last week, FDH Bank Deputy Managing Director George Chitera said the move reflects the bank’s commitment to supporting critical sectors through digital innovation.
He noted that extending digital banking services to health will help meet the evolving needs of Malawians.
Welcomed the system- Likaka
“As we continue advancing in digital banking, it is important that we extend these services to sectors such as health, ensuring that we meet the needs of Malawians efficiently. We believe good health is a key pillar in our Bank, and we aim to support the health sector,” said Chitera.
He added that the bank will leverage its digital platforms to enhance efficiency in revenue collection and management within health facilities.
“We are ready to support Malawians in any way possible and contribute meaningfully to the development of key sectors such as health,” he said.
Ministry of Health Chief of Health Services, Dr Andrew Likaka, described the partnership as a key step towards strengthening domestic resource mobilisation through technology-driven systems.
“Digital is the way to go. This partnership will help us explore how we can locally mobilise resources to support our health system.
Currently, facilities do not have digital payment systems, which is why there have been reports of people being asked for informal payments,” said Likaka.
He added that the introduction of digital payments will help curb corruption and improve accountability in health facilities.
“There has been concern over informal payments, but the digital system will make it easier to track revenue collected by facilities. Any transactions outside the system will be illegal and easier to detect,” he said.
