The number of complaints against healthcare workers has jumped over the past five years, highlighting patients’ concerns over quality of care.
Medical Council of Malawi (MC) data indicate that complaints from the public bordering on negligence, incompetence and gross misconduct have increased from 22 recorded in 2019 and 35 in 2020 to about 100 complaints in 2025.
MCM registrar Davie Zolowere said the rise in cases could reflect improved awareness about the council’s complaint handling mechanism.
He said: “We cannot say whether there has been an increase in malpractices but what we know is that more people are reporting and we are processing more complaints than before.”
for misconduct. | Nation
On the way forward for complainants in terms of compensation, Zolowere said the decision to claim compensation is up to the complainants.
Meanwhile, MCM has disciplined nine medical practitioners and three hospital directors following complaints reported last year.
In a statement on March 28, Zolowere said the council concluded 20 cases with 13 resulting in guilty verdicts, five dismissed and two escalated to Malawi Police Service.
Out of the 20 cases, 12 originated from public health facilities, one from a Christian Health Association of Malawi facility and seven from private health facilities.
Among the decisions, a clinical officer at Dowa District Hospital has been deregistered for four years for forging internship reports in order to obtain registration as a clinical officer.
At Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (Qech), the council has cautioned the office of the hospital director, registrar of obstetrics and gynaecology and a specialist over the management of a case of postpartum haemorrage which was determined to have contributed to a patient’s death.
An intern at Qech has been warned for administering morphine without senior consultation resulting in overdose and complications in a patient while an orthopedic clinical officer has been cautioned for conducting post-mortem beyond permitted scope of practice.
Commenting on the matter, Medical Doctors Union of Malawi president Henry Makowa said the disciplinary measures show regulatory systems are working to uphold the integrity of the medical profession.
However, he cited systematic challenges such as staff shortages, heavy workloads and limited resources as contributors to adverse outcomes.
Said Makowa: “We believe more can be done, particularly in increasing the number of healthcare personnel and creating a more conducive working environment for health workers.
Human Resources for Health Coalition chairperson Solomon Chomba echoed the concerns, noting that poor conditions and intimidation from service seekers contribute to service challenges.
Said Chomba: “Some health facilities lack adequate resources to properly manage patients. These issues need to be looked into if we are to curb cases of malpractices.”
In August 2025, the council also disciplined eight medical practitioners for offences including negligence and practicing without private licence.
Ombudsman data indicate that the hospital ombudsman mechanism received a total of 14 897 complaints in 2024 out of which 7 089 were resolved.
The complaints received in 2024 represent a 38 percent increase from the 9 219 complaints recorded in 2023.
