Government rolls out free surgery campaign

The Malawi Government, through the Ministry of Health and Sanitation, has launched a free surgical programme that will provide specialized medical procedures to hundreds of patients at three referral hospitals across the country.

The 2026 East, Central and Southern Africa Health Community (ECSA-HC) Medical and Surgical Camps were launched on Monday at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, with services running from July 20 to 31.

The programme, valued at more than K1 billion, is being implemented at KCH, Mzuzu Central Hospital (MCH) and Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) through a partnership between the ministry and ECSA-HC.

Speaking during the launch, Minister of Health and Sanitation Madalitso Baloyi said the initiative would improve access to specialised healthcare for patients who have waited for surgery for months or years.

“This initiative demonstrates what can be achieved through regional collaboration. Beyond the surgeries, it is building the skills of our own health professionals and strengthening Malawi’s health system for the future,” said Baloyi.

The camps are expected to benefit more than 300 patients through specialist surgeries, consultations and follow-up care, all offered free of charge.

At KCH, health workers are expected to conduct 80 gynaecological surgeries, while MCH will provide 60 general surgeries, 30 paediatric surgeries and 30 orthopaedic surgeries, in addition to specialist consultations.

QECH will undertake 50 general surgeries and 50 urology surgeries as part of efforts to reduce waiting lists at the country’s major referral hospitals.

Beyond treating patients, the programme includes mentorship, hands-on clinical training and skills transfer aimed at strengthening the capacity of Malawian healthcare workers in surgical services.

Representing ECSA-HC, Director of Operations and Institutional Development Sibusiso Sibandze said the initiative was not only about providing surgical care but also building a stronger health workforce.

“Today we launch hope. We launch healing. We reaffirm our commitment that no patient should suffer or lose their life simply because they have had to wait too long for a life-saving surgical procedure,” said Sibandze.

He added that the collaboration among specialists would leave a lasting impact through knowledge sharing and improved surgical capacity beyond the duration of the camps.

The Ministry of Health and Sanitation has encouraged patients scheduled for procedures at the participating hospitals to attend their appointments, saying the services will remain free at the point of care.