February 17, 2026 | Lilongwe, Malawi
In a related report on February 17, 2026, Arthur Peter Mutharika emphasized that all public health services must be provided free of charge under a zero-tolerance policy against corruption in the health sector.
The executive order specifically targets informal payments locally known as “grips” and other exploitative practices uncovered in Malawi’s public hospitals. Health authorities are instructed to enforce the directive strictly, ensuring that patients no longer face illegal fees for services that are legally free.
Officials described the measure as a key step toward restoring public trust, improving equity in access to healthcare, and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable patients. Hospitals are required to display notices reminding staff and patients that all government health services are free, and violations may result in disciplinary and legal action.
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