By Suleman Chitera
In a significant milestone for health education in Malawi, the Malawi College of Health Sciences (MCHS) has announced that it will begin offering degree programs starting in January 2025. The new programs aim to enhance the country’s healthcare system by producing highly qualified professionals equipped to meet Malawi’s growing healthcare needs.
The announcement was made by Dr. Alice Kadango, Executive Director of MCHS, during the graduation ceremony of 897 health professionals from the college’s three campuses. Speaking at the event, Dr. Kadango expressed optimism about the impact the degree programs would have on the healthcare sector, describing it as a crucial step toward strengthening health services in Malawi.
Starting next year, MCHS will offer two Bachelor of Science programs: Clinical Medicine and Nursing and Midwifery. These programs are designed to provide in-depth training that goes beyond the diploma qualifications previously offered by the college, preparing graduates with advanced skills necessary to address complex health challenges in the country.
Dr. Kadango highlighted that recruitment for these degree programs is already underway, with the institution actively seeking candidates interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. The new curriculum is expected to raise the standard of healthcare education in Malawi, offering students more specialized training and practical experience that will be essential in improving patient care and public health outcomes.
The decision to introduce degree programs reflects MCHS’s commitment to advancing healthcare education in Malawi and aligns with broader national goals to expand access to quality healthcare services. By equipping students with a robust educational foundation, the institution aims to contribute to a well-prepared healthcare workforce capable of meeting the demands of Malawi’s healthcare system.
Graduates from these programs will be among the first in Malawi trained at the degree level in Clinical Medicine and Nursing and Midwifery, making this a historic development for MCHS and the country’s healthcare sector as a whole.
