Amid growing fears among medical professionals following the killing of two female doctors, government has assured the nation that it will not abandon its duty to protect every Malawian.
The assurance was made in Parliament on Friday by Minister of Defence Feston Kaupa, who was responding on behalf of the Minister of Homeland Security during a debate on the safety of doctors and other specialised professionals.
Kaupa told Parliament that while government’s duty is to provide security to all citizens, it is taking seriously concerns that doctors may require additional protection.
“We are supposed to be providing national security to all the citizens of this country,” Kaupa said. “But considering that this is becoming a special case, and based on the results of the investigations that the police service has undertaken, the findings will inform the sort and level of security that will have to be provided to doctors and other specialised personnel.”
His remarks came after Leader of Opposition Simplex Chithyola Banda questioned what government is doing to protect doctors, saying the country has lost two young female doctors in recent months, in addition to nurse Patrick Dyson.
Chithyola Banda described the trend as deeply worrying, arguing that Malawi cannot afford to lose highly trained health professionals at a time when the country already faces a shortage of doctors.
“I rise with a heavy heart,” he said, before asking why doctors were “becoming an endangered species” and whether government could consider providing them with special protection while travelling to and from work.
The concerns were echoed by Zomba Malosa legislator Grace Kwelepeta, who stressed that it takes years of sacrifice and investment to train a doctor.
She said the death of a young doctor who had only recently begun practising was not only a loss to her family but also to the nation.
Kwelepeta called on Parliament to consider strengthening the law to impose stiffer penalties on those convicted of killing doctors and other highly specialised professionals. She also urged authorities to ensure such cases are prosecuted without unnecessary delays.
Responding to the proposals, Kaupa said government had taken note of the recommendations and assured the House that the Malawi Police Service would prioritise the prosecution of the ongoing cases by assigning appropriate personnel to ensure they are concluded as quickly as possible.
The parliamentary debate follows growing concern within the medical community after the killings of Dr. Victoria Bobe and Dr. Atughanile Chomo. Their deaths have renewed calls for stronger security measures for healthcare workers and faster justice for victims of violent crime.
While stopping short of committing to dedicated security for doctors, the minister indicated that government is open to considering targeted measures if police investigations show they are necessary.
