Malawi Health Equity Network Calls on Government to Review Health Agreements It Signed with Neighboring Countries

The Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) has called on government to review the health agreements it signed with neighboring countries.

Malawi signed Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with its neighbors (Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique) to allow people in border areas move freely to access medical treatment in Malawi or either of the countries.

MHEN executive director Martha Kwataine said Thursday during a debate on health care held in the capital Lilongwe that the country’s border districts face huge challenges in healthcare service delivery because of patients coming from neighboring countries.

“These districts frequently face drug shortages because of the large number of patients from these countries coming to access free medical treatment,” she said.

Kwataine observed that it is high time government looked into reviewing the MOUs because non Malawians are more benefiting the resources meant and budgeted for locals.

Malawi is the only country in Southern Africa Community Development (SADC) region which offers free health care service.