Episcopal Conference of Malawi Advocates for Increased Health Budget

Malawi-The Episcopal Conference of Malawi (ECM) has called on the government to prioritize the health sector in national budgets to support healthcare workers in providing quality healthcare services to Malawians, writes Brenard Mwanza.

Speaking at Mtengamtenga Mission Hospital in Dowa district during the World Day of the Sick commemoration, ECM Secretary General Father Alfred Chaima stressed the importance of investing in the health sector for the country's development.

"We can't have a nation that develops with citizens that are ill in the hospitals; they must be in their businesses or workplaces serving the intended people and earning something for their lives," Father Chaima emphasized.

He expressed concern over the damage to medical equipment and called on Malawians to stop this act, which exacerbates the challenges in the already resource-constrained health sector.

Head of Medical Services at Mtengamtenga Mission Hospital, Yona Chisepeya, shared the facility's challenges in delivering quality healthcare services, highlighting the recruitment ban on CHAM facilities, which has drained resources to pay personnel.

Despite these challenges, ECM commended healthcare workers for their efforts in saving lives with minimal resources.

ECM's call to action aligns with efforts to improve healthcare services in Malawi and ensure access to quality healthcare for all Malawians.