Malawi Budget Allocates Funds for New Ambulances and District Hospitals

AllAfrica reported that Malawi's Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi said on July 7 the government is implementing measures to address ambulance shortages, stalled clinic construction, and lack of specialized medical services. Decentralization has given district councils and local communities greater authority to set health priorities in their areas.

Baloyi urged lawmakers to use that authority through district council planning and constituency development committees.

Funds have been allocated in the 2026/27 national budget for purchasing new ambulances and constructing district hospitals. Ambulances and district hospitals will be prioritized for areas with the most severe transport problems once procurement begins. Construction at Ngongoliwa Health Centre in Thyolo Golomoti remains at approximately 40 percent completion.

The government is mobilizing additional resources to resume work there. A new dialysis unit will be established in the northern region at Mzuzu, where the physical infrastructure is already complete. Procurement of dialysis machines is pending, after which the unit will open.

The government is seeking support from the Global Fund, World Bank, UNICEF, and China Aid to strengthen health services nationwide.