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Malawi bans dual jobs for health workers

March 2, 2026

Malawi has banned health workers from holding dual roles in public and private facilities, aiming to curb corruption and boost accountability. Doctors say the move could hurt care and plan to challenge it.

https://p.dw.com/p/59eyM

Malawi introduced a new law in February banning health workers from holding dual positions in public and private facilities. 

The measure bars medical staff from working in government institutions while also running private clinics or pharmacies. 

Malawi's government says the move will curb corruption, strengthen accountability, and improve efficiency in the public health system, following reports that some practitioners pursued private interests while employed in state-run facilities.

The policy is already facing pushback, with a group of doctors preparing a legal challenge.

In this episode of DW's AfricaLink podcast, Eddy Micah Jr speaks with health analyst Maziko Matemba, executive director of the Health and Rights Education Program, an NGO, and hears from DW correspondent Chimwemwe Padatha in Malawi.

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AfricaLink Podcast

AfricaLink

DW AfricaLink is packed with news, politics, culture and more — every weekday. From combating health issues and freedom of expression to finances, tolerance and environmental protection, we have it covered.