“To you the staff of this hospital. Do not dare to start stealing medicine for your patients. Dare, and you will go! This is not a threat, but this a warning! I gave instructions to Police to intensify vigilance and surveillance on all hospitals. And I want to congratulate Police for the good job they are doing,” he said.

The Malawi leader noted of several incidences where Police have stood ground to fight drug theft.

“Only two nights ago, a laboratory technician dared to steal medicine from Mzuzu Central Hospital. Police secretly followed him and arrested him. What he didn’t know is that Police is secretly watching the hospitals,” said Mutharika.

The President cited an example of a district official at Chiradzulu who was arrested by Police for allegedly stealing drugs.

President Mutharika reiterated his government’s commitment in providing good health services to Malawians.

“Good health is one of the measures of development. Therefore, we want to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all ages. This is another goal! Building modern hospitals is one of the measures we take in order to achieve our Sustainable Development Goals,” said President Mutharika.

The 300-bed facility will provide out-patient clinics and specialized clinics, dental services; ante-natal clinics and family planning. It will also serve under-fives clinics and HIV and AIDS clinics, diagnostic services including radiology, ultrasound, laboratory and a blood bank.

The magnificent hospital will be also used as a training hospital for both nurses and medical doctors from various training institutions across the country.

The hospital which has 71 staff houses and waiting shelters for guardians- has cost over US$18.7 million (more than K13 billion).

President Mutharika said  his government is planning to commence various projects in the health sector.

Meanwhile, next on the schedule is the ground breaking ceremony for Mponela Rural Hospital, Lilongwe District Hospital and the National Cancer Centre also in Lilongwe.