By Gift Chiponde

Lilongwe,22 August, MANA: Deputy Minister of Health, Hon. Halima Alima Daud, has emphasised the need for strengthen collaboration between Malawi and international allies, specifically from India, to address the critical challenges within the nation's healthcare infrastructure.

In her address at the 2024 India-Africa Business Conclave in New Delhi, Daud stressed the urgent need for investments and partnerships to improve the accessibility of healthcare services in Malawi.

She indicated that despite significant advancements in healthcare provision, Malawi continues to face substantial obstacles in ensuring universal access to essential health services. Daud pointed out the significant underfunding of Malawi's health system, with an annual per capita health expenditure of only $40—less than half of the $86 recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for achieving comprehensive health coverage.

Then Minister said this financial deficit jeopardises the quality of healthcare and contributes to a life expectancy of just 64 years, along with high rates of preventable diseases such as malaria and non-communicable conditions.

She indicated that Malawi heavily depends on imported pharmaceuticals, procuring 90% of its medications from external sources stating this reliance has resulted in frequent shortages of drugs and inadequate medical supplies, exacerbating the challenges faced by the healthcare sector. Daud revealed that the country's pharmaceutical market volume currently stands at $121 million, with $14 million allocated to oncology drugs.

While acknowledging the challenges, Daud outlined the extensive reforms underway in Malawi's healthcare sector, emphasizing that the government is actively pursuing the decentralization of healthcare services, the establishment of interconnected healthcare systems, and the integration of digital advancements.

"Central to these reforms are the Health Sector Strategic Plan III and the National Health Financing Strategy, both aimed at driving improvements in the sector,"Daud articulated.

Daud also highlighted several key areas where Malawi is seeking collaboration and investment, including Medical Equipment and ICT infrastructure, Pharmaceutical Products, Research and Development, Digital Health, Health Financing, and Infrastructure Development.

Daud urged Indian enterprises and international partners to seize the opportunities presented by Malawi's ongoing healthcare reforms.

"Malawi is steadfast in its commitment to enhancing access to superior healthcare and achieving Universal Health Coverage. We invite our partners, particularly from India, to collaborate with us on this journey for the mutual benefit of all stakeholders, “she said.