Breaking News: APM Bans Public Health Workers from Owning Private Clinics and Pharmacies
His Excellency Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika JSD has issued an Executive Order prohibiting public health workers from owning, operating, or holding shares in private clinics and pharmacies.
The directive, signed at State House as Executive Order No. 1 of 2026, gives affected employees 30 days to divest or face dismissal and possible legal action. The President said the move follows reports that some health personnel have been directing patients from government hospitals to their private facilities.
The order also bans public health workers from soliciting payments from patients in government facilities, warning that offenders will be dismissed and prosecuted.
The President described the measures as necessary to protect citizens’ constitutional right to access health services.