Malawi should establish national health insurance – HRCC

The Human Rights Consultative Committee (HRCC) has called on government and key stakeholders to fast track the establishment of a national health insurance in Malawi as a means of contributing to the well-being of Malawians some of whom are dying of preventable diseases and ailments.

HRCC chairperson Robert Mkwezalamba was reacting to the deaths of former first female cabinet minister Rose Chibambo and unionist Francis Antonio who died in what he described as ‘manageable ailments!’

“It’s not that we don’t want people to die, no! The bible is clear on this, but as a nation its sad to lose important people due to Malaria, pneumonia or let alone cancer!” Mkwezalamba said.

He added, “We have spoken so much about cancer hospital and we are spending billions in sending people to India yet we have to wait for government’s discretion. We need clear guidelines and systems that protect peoples lives.”

Mkwezalamba advised government to introduce a National Health insurance as is existing in most Southern African Development Community (Sadc)  or african countries like Kenya.

According to him, with the national health insurance, “our heroes and ordinary citizens” would not be forced to hold charity shows or cry in the media for help but the system would automatically know who and what treatment one requires to serve lives.

“In a country full of jealousy, its difficult for the State to put all important personalities on its payroll but with systems like the mandatory pension or health insurance, politicization or favoritism will be eliminated.

Other notable figures believed to have died of ‘manageable ailments’ include musician Geoffrey Zigoma (cancer), former president Bingu wa Mutharika (cardiac arrest) and Antonio (malaria).

While Rose Chibambo, the only woman in the founding President Hastings Kamuzu Banda’s first Cabinet in 1964, died on Tuesday after a battle with heart-related problems.

Last week, two pastors suddenly collapsed during church services in Lilongwe and Chikwawa.

Pastor Makande collapsed at Shilo Baptist Church belonging to Providence Industrial Mission in Area 25, Lilongwe. While former CCAP Blantyre City Presbytery Moderator, Reverend Frank Anderson Kuyeli collapsed during a church service at Namalindi CCAP Church in Chikwawa.

It is alleged the death occurred as a result of heart attack.