Govt Says No Plans to Introduce Public Hospital User Fees

Malawi Government has dispelled assertions that it intends to introduce user fees in public hospitals.

Minister of Health Honorable Dr. Jean Kalilani says government has no plans to introduce user fees in public hospitals and therefore the ongoing debate on the matter is just confusion of reforms being carried out by the Ministry particularly on  "Revitalizing Medical Insurance Schemes in the Country."

"Ministry of health is doing various reforms and one of the reforms is to revitalize Medical Insurance Schemes in the country. Our plans are to have as many people as possible and those that can

afford to be on a Medical Insurance scheme. This will ensure that all those with Medical Insurances can ably access fee paying Health Services across the country using their medical insurances. This will mean that people will have more options for accessing health services but also on the part of health service providers,

it will mean that there is an opportunity to decongest public hospitals as some people will opt for fee paying services whereby they will use their medical insurances."

"In this same proposal, we are also exploring possibility of extending fee paying sections in public facilities so that they work side by side with non paying sections. The idea is to have all those without medical insurance and preferring to access free services to continue accessing public health services free while for those with medical insurances and

preferring to access fee paying services sections

in public facilities be able to do so. This system is already in existence in all Central

Hospitals where they have fee paying services sections and what is being explored now is whether such fee paying services sections can also be rolled out to other public Hospitals." Explained Kalilani

She therefore said this is probably the area that has created some confusion

 among the general public

and some civil society groups. 

"I must say clearly here that we do not have any intentions to ask people to pay for health

services. Our proposal is to have more people on medical insurance and access paying services in public hospitals." Assured Kalilani

"We have observed the debates around this issue and we want to inform the

general public that any debate that ensues on user fees is invalid and may not

contribute to the final outcome of our proposed reforms."

The health minister further informed that, Department of Economics in Chancellor

 College in conjunction with the College of Medicine are analysing such aspect to gauge its efficacy and will be advising on what is possible and how best it can be done.

"Once they have concluded their work, there will be consultations on the subject

 matter with various stakeholder groups and once

the ideas have been refined

and agreed, the Ministry of Health will take up the matter with Cabinet to seek its endorsement and approval."

She alsi said a Bill will be prepared and get submitted to the National Assembly so that a specific law on Health Insurance can be debated and passed by the National Assembly and have it  implemented from July, 2016.

Other reforms that the ministry of health is conducting includes of establishing a Health Fund to support health service delivery in the country; Reviewing the current arrangement between the Ministry and Christian Health

Association of Malawi (CHAM) as the current Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) dates back to 2002 and; reforming Hospital Operations. 

Under Hospital Operation reforms, the ministry is considering ways of making all Central Hospitals autonomous and independent so that they have independent

oversight bodies in form of

Board of directors; to have management of District Health Services separated from the Management of District

Hospitals and; to have non-core services in public Hospitals delinked from core services of Hospitals so that

non-core services are run in partnership with Public Partnership (PPPs).

Dr. Kalilani has since emphasised that under the Hospital autonomy reform, the plan is to have representatives of the people participate in running of public hospitals while the Ministry of Health concentrates on its core business of providing policy guidance, setting standards and operating procedures, guidelines, supportive

supervision and other functions.

Malawi Artists Says Luciano Show Has Exposed Their Talent To The World

Born Africa Productions Promises More

 

Sallly Nyundo perfoming alongside Soul Raiders Band

Malawi artists are optimistic that their inclusion to perform in International shows especially the last week, Saturdays Luciano show in the Capital Lilongwe has exposed their talent to the world.

A renowned musician Lucius Banda says Luciano show has greatly added value to Malawi music and  talent as it is apparent that people from all corners of the world had patronised the event and spotted them.

“Luciano is a world class artist and surely we benefited a lot by sharing a stage with him.” He said, “People like those when they go to a country, don’t expect that the audience is to be from the host country only.”

He continued “So, the audience for Luciano show in Malawi was not only from Malawi, some traveled from Zambia, even Zimbabwe and some I hope came from Jamaica just to see him in Malawi.” He said, “By so doing, we are getting exposed to various people and that’s what every artist needs in Africa.”

Born Africa

Meanwhile, events coordinator for Born Afrikan Productions in Malawi Mphatso Chaluluka has promised that Born Afrikan Productions will continue supporting Malawi artists though exposing them in such international musical events.

However, Malawi  upcoming artists in reggae music were missing on the Luciano show, yet musicians who sing other types of genres but not reggae had performed on such event. On this issue, Chaluluka said “The question is, why is it that we will bring them next time. We will bring them because they are doing a good job.”

“Last time we included a lot of people including Malinga Mafia and what have you, but this time around we thought of including other artists that did not perform that December Show for Fantan Mojah because Born Africa Productions is here to make sure that Malawian music develops.”

He added “The theme for this show was Reggae Unites Festival, so we decided to take various artists to be on one stage jut to show that reggae really unites. But we really want the young ones and the next show we will definitely include them”

Limbani Banda Perfoming alongside Soul Raiders Band

The Malawi's Born Afrikan Events Coordinator has since thanked Malawians for coming to the Luciano show in large number. He has also promised that there is more to come from Born Afrikan Productions, “So far we are improving, Malawians are responding and it’s a positive feedback that we have got from Malawi.”

“Luciano was on point and he was in form. Am sure Malawians will accept that the guy had a great show.” said Chaluluka

“But we need more people to come next time, people should believe that Born Afrikan Productions is here to deliver. Next time we are bringing somebody else, it can be anybody, can be Sizzla or Morgan Heritage” he assured

Communique (Chilichonse chilindi nthawi fame)

On other issues Chaluluka said “There is room for improvement, there is a lot more we need to do; we have a big problem with security on the gates because as a lot of people are not prepared to pay for the show even though we started advertising months before the show. So, people should change that mentality. On our part we have some shortfalls as well, we need to fix especially on ticketing system but we are working on that.”

Chilima Joins St. Patrick, St. Ignacio, St. Thomas Christians in Suffering with Christ through Via Dolorosa... Hailed for Being With Fellow Christians

Malawi's Vice President hon. Saulos Claus Chilima this Friday has been together with Roman Catholic church, Area 18, St. Patrick, Area 30, St. Ignacio and Area 18, St. Thomas Anglican parish Christians in remembrance of precious gift of salvation and the price paid for it by the Lord Jesus Cross to Golgotha.

In a joint way of cross conducted by Christians from the three parishes, Chilima walked together with the devotion through some designated streets in Area 18 from St. Patrick catholic parish to St. Thomas Anglican church parish.

Being one of the devotees and in quest to experience Lord Jesus Passion, carrying a cross from the court of Pontius Pilate to the hill of Calvary, Chilima just like other devotees also at one of the fourteen stations had shouldered a cross which was being carried in front of the devotion. 

A Catholic christian from Area 18, St. Patrick parish, hon. Chilima also led the devotion the in reading of the Thirteenth Station where the devotion reflected moment the body of Lord Jesus  was taken down from the cross (the Deposition or Lamentation)

He was also chosen to lay wreath together with his wife.

Parish Priest for area 18 St. Thomas Anglican parish Fr. Francis Takilima had  at the end of the long procession for the passion of Christ, thanked  hon. Chilima for being humble and walk with the devotion regardless of the fact that he holds a high position in government.

"Throughout the journey from St. Patrick parish up to here,  we were asking ourselves if you would walk with us in that dusty road and finish together. But to our surprise we have finished the journey together. That is not a joke considering that you are holding the second a highest office of the land"

"We thank you for being with us from the start to the end." He said  

World Wildlife Day: Malawi Govt Postpone Burning of Ivory

The Government of Malawi has postponed plans to burn 4 tonnes of seized ivory as part of this year’s commemoration of the World Wildlife Day.

The day being commemorated under the theme ‘Time to Get Out with Wildlife Crime’ was to be marked by torching of 4 tons of seized ivory in demonstrating to the world that Malawi is determined to eradicate wildlife crime and prevent seized ivory from getting back into hands of illicit wildlife traders.

President Mutharika has been expected to set to light the stock pile of ivory equated to roughly 500 elephants at Parliament buildings after solidarity walk from Capital Hotel roundabout.

However, a statement signed by, Hon Kondwani Nankhumwa, Minister of Information, Tourism and Culture, says this postponement is due to a slight change in the programme of the event as a consequence of new information that has emerged.

"The commemorations will proceed as planned. But the burning of the ivory has been postponed because Government has been advised that another 2.6 tonnes of ivory is still in the system as exhibits awaiting conclusion of cases which are pending in the courts." Says Nankhumwa

"Once these cases are concluded, all 6.6 tonnes of the ivory will be destroyed all together at a time and date to be announced in future." He continued 

"While Government remains committed to fight wildlife crime, including protection of iconic species of elephants and rhinos, which are key for tourism promotion in Malawi, it is important that the entire stockpile of ivory is destroyed once and for all." Further reads the statement 

Shot Suspect Die At Hospital, 1 in Police Custody for Robbery

A male suspected robber, Mada Soniala whose full details are not yet known and was shot on Wednesday morning by Kanengo Police officers has died at Kamuzu Central Hospital while receiving treatment. However, fellow suspect Jacob Ngwira aged 31 from Mponda village  T/A Nsamala in Balaka is under police custody for robbery says police.

Kanengo Police Station says the two were among the group of criminals who attacked the house of Mr. Rodrick Langwe, an Assistant District Registrar of National Registration Bureau during the night of 31 March 2015. 

Sergeant Esther Mkwanda, Kanengo Police Public Relations Officer said thieves armed with pangas invaded the house and wounded the owner before they went away with vehicle, Suzuki Swift registration number NN 637, cash, laptops, home appliances and beddings, among others.

Sgt Mkwanda said police were informed on Wednesday morning of the incident and began their investigations which resulted in the arrest of Jacob Ngwira and Mada Soniala.

The police officer said detectives found the vehicle abandoned in Chilinde and that other reported stolen items were recovered when the arrest was made.

Sergeant Esther Mkwanda however, explained that Mada Soniyala was shot Wednesday morning hours at the house of fellow suspect, Jacob Ngwira in area 25 as police were at the home trying to recover some stolen property that the two and others had stolen Tuesday night.

“Mada and our detectives were at Jacob Ngwira’s house to recover some of the suspected stolen property. However, Mada tried to snatch the rifle from one of the officers hand, in the process the gun was fired and shot him on the leg.”

“Unfortunately, Mada has died at Kamuzu Central Hospital in the afternoon on Wednesday while receiving treatment” confirmed Sgt Mkwanda

“We have arrested these criminals through our investigations and we are expecting to arrest the remaining suspects” added the Kanengo PRO

“Our immediate arrest of these two only shows that police are serious and committed to do their work of combating crime. This is also our message to the public that whenever we receive information we don’t hesitate but to react" said Sgt Mkwanda

The Kanengo Police PRO, further urged members of the general public to continue tipping police with information of criminals found in their areas. 

No Elephant Poaching, Protect Wildlife Animals- Malawi Wildlife Campaigners

President Mutharika Burning Ivory this Thursday

Malawians have been asked to protect and conserve Wildlife animals as the country joins the rest of the world in commemorating the World Wildlife Day this Thursday.

The day being commemorated under the theme ‘Time to Get Out with Wildlife Crime’ is to be marked by torching of 4 tons of seized ivory in demonstrating to the world that Malawi is determined to eradicate wildlife crime and prevent seized ivory from getting back into hands of illicit wildlife traders.

President Mutharika is expected to set to light the stock pile of ivory equated to roughly 500 elephants at Parliament buildings after solidarity walk from Capital Hotel roundabout.

According to Lilongwe Wildlife Trust, the seized ivory is believed to have originated not only from Malawi but also from variety of sources including neighboring countries of Zambia, Tanzania and Mozambique.

Speaking at a Press briefing in Lilongwe on Wednesday, Lilongwe Wildlife Trust Marketing Manager Victoria Mopiwa said “Our message to Malawian people is that our wildlife is declining, so we need to protect our wildlife” and urged people to stop wildlife crime like poaching into protected areas (national parks), illegal wildlife trade and illegal stock of pet and wildlife animals.

Burning of ivory this Thursday, Malawi would be the eleventh country to publicly destroy ivory stockpiles in the last 21 months and first country to do so in Southern Africa since Zambia in 1992.

It is highly alleged that Malawi is just being targeted as a transit route by traffickers particularly from neighboring countries moving over 500kg at a time as records indicate, 2.6 tonnes of ivory were confiscated in May 2013 by Malawi Revenue Authority in Mzuzu and in the past 4 years there have been 40 cases of ivory trafficking at Kamuzu International Airport (KIA) alone. 

However, Lilongwe Wildlife Trust says current population of elephants are estimated around 1500 which is a major decline. Records also indicates that some protected areas like Kasungu National Park, elephants have declined by over 50% in recent years that is from 2000 in early 1990’s. Besides, half of reintroduced rhino at Liwonde National Park has been lost as a result of illegal killing.

Poaching levels are reaching alarming levels and the annual economic losses due from poaching to Malawi has been calculated to be the order of K1.2 billion (US $8.4 million) (Government of Malawi (2011) Economic Evaluation of sustainable natural resource use in Malawi. 

In a video documentary of about 8 minutes and 20 seconds shown to members of press, produced for the Stop Wildlife Crime and features music artists, Lawi and Sally Nyundo as Wildlife Activists, a man is heard in the background asking children probably spotted at a Wildlife centre if any of their friends, relatives or they know anyone ever seen elephant. But the children reply is ‘no’. 

The documentary indicates, 71% of elephants declined in Malawi from 2002 to 2006, and Dixie Makwale, Senior parks Officer in the Department of National Parks and Wildlife therein has emphasized that if people don’t stop poaching elephants then in a decade Elephants existence in Malawians shall be history. 

Director in Department of Tourism, Patricia Liabuba has also in the documentary, asked Malawians to protect wildlife animals because are very significant for Malawi tourism and job creation which may contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction.

The ‘Stop Wildlife Crime. Protect Malawi’s Wildlife’ campaign, was launched on World Wildlife Day in March 2014 as joint initiative between Lilongwe Wildlife Trust and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife. It among others aim at raise awareness about the seriousness of wildlife crime and importance of protecting natural heritage as well as reporting wildlife crime and pushing wildlife conservation issues onto agenda of decision makers.

Last year the campaign involved petition which asked government to say not to ivory and burn the confiscated ivory.

This year, the campaign is highlighting elephant poaching and ivory trafficking as serious wildlife crimes along with many other crimes including illegal logging which could soon lead to extinction of the Mulanje cedar and pet and bushmeat trades which impact wildlife welfare.

Currently, Malawi is also trying to tighten its controls by initiating a 10 year National Elephant Action Plan which aims under Elephant Protection Initiative (EPI) to secure its funding necessary to protect elephants and strengthen its efforts to crack down on traffickers who have seen Malawi as a soft target to export ivory from the country.

Yao Ethnic Group Register’s ‘Chiwanja Cha A Yao’

The Yao ethnic group in Malawi has a unified heritage ‘Chiwanja Cha a Yao’ which seeks to promote their cultural aspects.

Chiwanja Cha a Yao has since been registered following consultation meetings with Yao chiefs and leaders of other Yao groupings, says interim chairperson for Chiwanja Cha a Yao, Dr. Allan Chilimba.

Yao ethnic group had several groupings including Chiwanja Cha Umo Wa Yao, Likuga Lya a Yao, Ndamo Sya a Yao and other splinter groups.

For example, said Chilimba “We can assist Ministry of Health in promoting all health issues like on HIV Aids because we are able to understand our own culture.” He continued, “Even on environmental degradation civic education, we can do that by incorporating our own education system of Jando, Litiwo and Nsondo, we can do a lot of work with government.”

The group has made it clear that Chaiwanja Cha a Yao is non-political as it observes individual rights to freely; belong to, participate or support any political party and ideologies.

Some of the interim members of Chiwanja Cha a Yao include; Rev. McDonald Sembereka, Publicity Secretary; Ronnex Issa, Secretary; Khadija Paseli, Treasurer and Alhaji Twaibu Lawe as vice chairperson.

“During the consultations there was consensus that one heritage be formed and others deregistered” said Dr. Allan Chilimba, “The chiefs were instrumental in this process and we agreed that the Yao heritage group should be named Chiwanja Cha a Yao”

The interim chair said, every person born Yao is automatic member for the group. However, he mentioned that everyone expressing interest to attend and be elected in the National Executive Committee during the upcoming General Meeting must get registered through various interim committee members found in their nearest districts.

Dr. Chilimba further indicated that, the group has opened a bank account with First Merchant Bank (FMB) with; name, Chiwanja Cha Ayao; Account number, 5263943333; and branch, Capital City. He therefore requested that, all Yao’s should make financial contributions towards the launch of Chiwanja Cha A Yao in September this year.

Speaking of the impact that Chiwanja Cha a Yao would bring to Malawi, Dr. Allan Chilimba said “You will note that the Yao tribe is one of the largest ethnic group and has over 60 Traditional Authority (T/A’s) in the country and if the group is not well organized it will be difficult for government to contact them. But if we have strong organization of Yao people, then it will be easy for Yao’s to assist the government to achieve some of the developments in the country because it will be easy for government to contact them and initiate various development projects in their areas.”

For example, said Chilimba “We can assist Ministry of Health in promoting all health issues like on HIV Aids because we are able to understand our own culture.” He continued, “Even on environmental degradation civic education, we can do that by incorporating our own education system of Jando, Litiwo and Nsondo, we can do a lot of work with government.”

The group has made it clear that Chaiwanja Cha a Yao is non-political as it observes individual rights to freely; belong to, participate or support any political party and ideologies. 

Some of the interim members of Chiwanja Cha a Yao include; Rev. McDonald Sembereka, Publicity Secretary; Ronnex Issa, Secretary; Khadija Paseli, Treasurer and Alhaji Twaibu Lawe as vice chairperson.