Medical Council of Malawi Phases Out Medical Assistant Course

The Medical Council of Malawi (MCM) has announced its decision to discontinue the Medical Assistants (MAS) course in the country.

The council’s  Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Davie Zolowere, said in a statement that the decision was made to improve health services in Malawi. He noted that although Medical Assistants have been a reliable source of healthcare, research has shown that hospitals provide better services when staffed with Medical Doctors and Clinical Officers.

Zolowere has advised universities currently offering the Medical Assistant course to begin implementing the new guidelines.

The council also stated that only students recruited this year will be allowed to graduate as Medical Assistants, and warned that institutions that fail to comply will face disciplinary action.