By Burnett Munthali

Investigative journalists in Malawi have told Parliament that corruption in public hospitals is weakening the country’s health system.

Their testimony came during a session focused on exposing malpractice and identifying reforms to restore accountability in health facilities.Kalumo to Challenge Corruption Charges in Court, Cites Immunity and ACB Jurisdiction

Appearing before Parliament’s health committee this morning, Platform for Investigative Journalism representative Golden Matonga said the organisation has been supporting reporters with training and grants to expose malpractice.Investigative Report: How Nir Ges Obtained a Diplomatic Passport in Malawi

Matonga explained that the support is aimed at strengthening independent reporting on the challenges facing Malawi’s health sector.

He made the remarks during an enquiry session with The Times Group, PIJ and Nation Publications Limited, which is examining corruption in health facilities and exploring reforms to restore accountability.Justice Delayed, Justice Denied: Malawi’s Courts Under Fire as Corruption Cases Stall

The joint hearing brought together some of Malawi’s leading media houses to present findings and recommendations to lawmakers.

The Times Group investigative journalist Rebecca Chimjeka thanked the committee for engaging the media on the matter.

She said media participation was critical to ensuring public concerns about hospital services reach decision-makers.Mutharika Cracks Down on Health Sector Corruption with Sweeping Executive Order After Media Expose

This follows the joint expose ‘Pay Up or Die’, which revealed that patients at referral hospitals were allegedly forced to pay informal fees to guards, clerks and health workers before receiving treatment.

The investigation documented how these payments created barriers to care for some of Malawi’s most vulnerable patients.ACB Cracks Down on Passport Corruption as 21 Immigration Complaints Trigger Probe

The investigation was carried out by journalists from Capital Radio Malawi, PIJ, Zodiak Broadcasting Station, The Nation, MIJ FM, Times Group and The African Brief.

The collaboration across outlets marked one of the largest coordinated media efforts to investigate corruption in the country’s health sector in recent years.

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