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Malawi Bans Dual Practice to Curb Corruption in Public Hospitals

The government has banned "dual practice" at all public clinics, hospitals, pharmacies, and diagnostic centers. Dual practice refers to health workers holding jobs in both the public and private sectors at the same time.

The directive also requires health workers who own or partly own private facilities to divest within 30 days or face dismissal and possible legal action. The decision was made after an investigation revealed corruption in public hospitals. The patients were allegedly forced to pay illegal fees for services that should be provided for free, and were sometimes referred to private facilities owned by health workers.

President Peter Mutharika said the ban was necessary to confront long-standing abuses linked to dual practice. Critics have warned that the ban could push doctors to resign, worsen staff shortages, and accelerate brain drain. However, the government has said that ending dual practice will restore public trust and ensure that public resources benefit all Malawians rather than private interests.  

Nyasa Times

Curtains dermacating TB ward into male and female ward at Ntcheu District Hospital.

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