Health workers urged to choose ethics over livelihoods

Pharmacy professionals have been warned that putting personal interests ahead of ethical practice could cost them their careers.

Malawi Health Equity Network (MHEN) executive director George Jobe issued the warning following disciplinary action by the Pharmacy and Medicines Regulatory Authority (PMRA) against 10 pharmacy professionals and licensed pharmaceutical businesses over medicine-related violations.

Jobe said the action should serve as a warning to health workers that professional ethics must come before practices that could put patients at risk.

“Health workers should ensure they abide by their ethics so that Malawians are assured of safety,” Jobe said.

Jobe caution health workers

He noted that disciplinary measures such as suspension and removal from professional registers can have serious consequences because health professions are a source of livelihood for those practising them.

Jobe, however, said the measures are necessary because the health sector is highly sensitive and malpractice can cause harm or even death.

He commended PMRA for investigating complaints, conducting disciplinary hearings and taking action against professionals found to have violated regulations.

Jobe also encouraged Malawians to report suspicious medicine practices, including the illegal sale or possession of medicines, saying the public should not remain passive when they encounter such practices.