For nearly a year, since the novel Coronavirus found its way into Malawi, people have been talking about the future of health in the country; envisioning what health care might look like in the post-Covid-19 era, how it might take shape, and the radical changes that would occur between now and then.

But Dr. Victor Mgonjetsi Mithi, speaking to Zodiak radio during Tiwuzeni Zowona Programme on Sunday monitored by the Maravi Post, predicted a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities for Malawi in the post-Covid-19 world.

On challenges, Mithi highlighted that, after Covid-19,  the health sector will likely be overwhelmed with a myriad of cases of noncommunicable diseases that are currently not getting attention as much effort has been directed towards Covid-19 fight.

“Prevention and treatment services for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) have been severely disrupted since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Many people who need treatment for diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes have not been receiving the health services and medicines they need since the COVID-19 pandemic began,” lamented Mithi.

He added: “I will give an example of Kamuzu Central Hospital since its my duty station. Due to Covid-19 pressure, some patients who need operations are getting the services; wards for eye and skin patients have been turned into Covid-19 wards and this means such patients, who were supposed to be in the hospital for treatment, are at home. That is why I say there will be more pressure in the health sector even when the pandemic is completely eliminated.”

However, Mithi said the pandemic might be a blessing in disguise as responsible leaders will learn, though in a bitter way, to invest in health facilities in their countries.

“On the other hand, this pandemic has challenged our leaders who have been neglecting the health sector with an idea that they will fly to other countries when the fall ill. We have seen cabinet ministers and many political leaders, who would otherwise fly to outside countries, dying here in Malawi.

“It is my hope that leaders have learnt a lesson and after this pandemic they will definitely consider pumping more funds towards health. It is time to reflect on how we have been financing the health sector. If our hospitals continue to operate like this, we will be losing people who would have been saved if we had the required equipments,” he explained.

On the number of health workers in government hospital, Mithi said Malawi as a country is a “sorry state” as it is millions of miles away from meeting the required health worker to patients ratio.

“We are a sorry state in as far as health care is concerned.  Since we attained independence the health sector has been neglected by all governments. The standard ratio of health worker to patients  is 1:1000 but here in Malawi is 1:33, 000. Though the government is recruiting some health workers but the impact is negligible since the understaffing is just too much.

“For instance, as of now over 1000 health personnel are at home due to Covid-19. So recruitment is not making any difference in terms of work force. It’s just a replacement,” he argued.

Responding to a question on the safety of the impending Covid-19 vaccine, Mithi urged Malawians to desist from spreading false rumours, saying the vaccine is safe and duly approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

“It is not meant to wipe out Africans as some are erroneously speculating.  The whites are getting the same vaccine. After all, we the health workers will be the first to get vaccinated,” he said.

According to Malawi leader Lazarus Chakwera, Malawi has secured doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine which government will give to its citizens for immunity against the Coronavirus.

“The first consignment of the vaccine will arrive at the end of February in readiness for roll out in March, starting with 20 percent of the population, which will prioritise frontline workers, the elderly and those with underlying conditions,” said Chakwera on Sunday evening when he was addressing the nation on the situation of Covid-19 in the country.

As of 31 January, 2021, Malawi had a total of 23, 963 cases of Covid-19 with 8, 615 recoveries and 702 deaths,

Malawi declared a state of national disaster on 12 January, 2021.