February 17, 2026 | Lilongwe, Malawi
The Government of Malawi issued a sweeping executive order on February 17, 2026, aimed at eliminating corruption in public healthcare services.
The directive prohibits government health workers from charging patients for services that are legally free and forbids them from owning or operating private clinics or pharmacies — a conflict-of-interest issue that has been widely reported in local media.
Under the new order, health workers who fail to divest such interests or who solicit illegal payments from patients within 30 days may face dismissal and potential legal action. Authorities say the measure is part of a broader effort to ensure equitable access to healthcare, restore public trust, and strengthen accountability in Malawi’s health system.
Officials emphasized that strict enforcement and oversight will be implemented to prevent further exploitation and to protect vulnerable patients from unlawful practices.
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