CSOs want motorists to finance health sector

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in the health sector have proposed introduction of a national health fund to be financed by motorists because road accidents negatively impact the health budget.

The proposal, if effected, will see motorists in the country paying more to get a certificate of fitness (CoF) or a driver’s licences.

In a presentation in Lilongwe yesterday during the second leg of the 2023/24 Pre-budget Consultation Meetings, Malawi Health Equity Network executive director George Jobe said the CSOs want government to introduce a top up either on fees motorists pay to get CoF or on driving licences.

He said: “Road accidents are contributing to depleting of the health budget and therefore motorists or vehicles are the ones contributing to the budget and need to pay a little something towards the national health fund.”

Jobe, who made the presentation on behalf of other CSOs, including Universal Health Coverage Coalition, Fedoma and WaterAid, said there is need to safeguard the funds and also ensure transparency in the management of the resources; hence, the suggestion for the national health fund.

He further proposed carbon tax and toll gate collections as other revenue streams for the proposed fund.

But in an interview, road safety expert Chifwede Hara said while he agreed with the proposal, it is worth appreciating that motorists are already paying through the nose on insurance, CoF, tollgates and fuel levy.

He said in that regard it is important to strike a balance.

Hara added that motorists are not entirely to blame for accidents but all road users, urging government to prioritise road user education so as to reduce accidents and cut costs on the health budget.

He said: “If government enhances road user education then this challenge will be dealt with. There is need to instil discipline in road users by making sure that drivers are being trained in driving schools because the situation now is any motorist can easily get a licence.”

Among others, the CSOs have also recommended for the construction of a military hospital and the speedy completion of the National Cancer Centre in Lilongwe.

The group has also pushed for increased funding to health sector, which is below the recommended 15 percent budgetary allocation as espoused in the Abuja Declaration.