New Mothers in Mzuzu Denounce Mistreatment, Unfair Fees at Mapale Health Centre
Despite ongoing recruitment efforts, citizens like Banda urge for immediate improvements in hospitals like Mapale.
Mzuzu, Malawi - Disturbing allegations of mistreatment and unexpected fees have surfaced from new mothers who visited Mapale Health Centre in Mzuzu, northern Malawi, writes Tionge Hara.
Gloria Banda, a 35-year-old woman from Mzimba North, recounted her ordeal at the government-run hospital.
“After delivering my baby, I was forced to pay for cleaning services, even though I had already paid the standard delivery fee,” she lamented.
Banda's story is not unique.
Another new mother shared her experience of being instructed to clean herself in outside bathrooms near a local Shoprite fence, a task she found extremely difficult post-childbirth.
“It’s inhumane for women to be subjected to such treatment after giving birth,” she remarked.
These accounts raise serious concerns about the quality of care and equity of treatment at Malawi's public health facilities, particularly for low-income citizens who rely on these services due to the high cost of private healthcare.
Health activists have condemned the alleged practices at Mapale, characterizing them as unjust and unacceptable.
“This situation demands immediate action from the hospital authorities,” asserted George Jobe, Executive Director of Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN).
Maziko Matemba, a health expert, echoed Jobe's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of healthcare facilities as safe havens for patients.
“The authorities must take swift action to address these issues and ensure that mothers and their newborns receive the care they deserve,” he stated.
When contacted by AfricaBrief, Lusayo Malanga, the senior nursing officer at Mapale, expressed surprise at the allegations and pledged to investigate the matter thoroughly.
“Mapale Health Centre is a government hospital, and no one should be required to pay any fee to receive or access medical attention,” Malanga affirmed.
“Appropriate actions will be taken to address these concerns.”
Mapale Health Centre serves as the only public health facility in the surrounding area, providing primary healthcare services.
However, reports indicate a severe shortage of medical personnel, including those trained to care for pregnant women.
This shortage has resulted in prolonged waiting times and delays in patient care.
The allegations of mistreatment and unfair fees come amidst a nationwide health worker shortage that has left Malawi's public hospitals understaffed and overwhelmed.
According to the World Health Organization, Malawi's doctor-to-population ratio is alarmingly low, with only two doctors per 100,000 people.
This shortage poses a significant challenge to the country's healthcare system.
Despite ongoing recruitment efforts, citizens like Banda urge for immediate improvements in hospitals like Mapale.
“The situation is dire, and we demand change now,” she asserted.
“The well-being of mothers and their newborns is at stake.”