Malawi is a small state belonging to the region of South Africa. It is one of the poorest in the world and has a population of about 17 million people. The state of the medical industry, as in many other African countries, is unsatisfactory. Formally, medical care is free. However, in practice, there are few medical institutions in the country. And most hospitals are located in large cities. Therefore, wealthy locals and tourists are forced to use the services of private paid medicine if necessary.

The state of medicine in Malawi

The level of medical care for the local population is at an extremely low level and occupies one of the last places in the world. People here constantly suffer from such epidemiological diseases: as malaria, tropical fever, dysentery, cholera, and tuberculosis. According to statistics, 11.3% of the country's population is infected with HIV. In addition, due to the constant lack of food and drinking water, 25% of children under the age of 5 suffer from being underweight.

About 80% of doctors working in the country conduct their practice in large cities. Rural areas lack not only doctors but also medical equipment and medicines. The shortage of doctors and mid-level health workers, as well as the unsatisfactory state of medicine in Malawi, has led international health organizations to invite specialists from other countries. However, in practice, few foreigners want to come to this country.

List of main hospitals in Malawi

Given the above, it can be stated that a foreigner who is faced with health problems will be forced to seek qualified medical care in large cities in the country. There are several professional clinics with qualified doctors and the necessary medical equipment.

Central state medical institutions:

• Kamuzu Central Hospital. A specialized medical facility located in the city of Lilongwe. Officially designed for 780 seats. However, the establishment is always crowded. About 5 million people are treated there every year. Including neighboring countries - Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Zambia, and Tanzania. The advantage of the hospital is the availability of modern equipment and drugs.

• Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre.

• Mzimba Central Hospital.

• Zomba Central Hospital.

Main regional hospitals:

• Chitipinskaya regional hospital;

• Nhata Bay Hospital;

• Dedzen Regional Hospital;

• Kasungu District Hospital;

• Chiradzulu District Hospital;

• Mulanje District Hospital;

Private clinics:

• Adventist Hospital in Blantyre;

• CCK Health Clinic and Diagnostic Center Lilongwe;

• David Gordon Memorial Hospital in Salima;

• Malamulo Hospital in Thiolo;

• St. Anne's Hospital in Karonga.

The specified list is not complete. In fact, the number of medical institutions is much larger. However, about 80% of them are located in large cities. Information about each hospital can be found on the Internet or by local residents.

Health insurance in Malawi

Due to the difficult epidemiological situation in the state of Malawi, the governments and the immigration service of this country require all foreigners planning a trip for one reason or another to be vaccinated against malaria and fever (before that, you must consult with your doctor), and also purchase health insurance. Without the fulfillment of these conditions, crossing the border is impossible!

In this case, medical insurance must meet the following requirements:

• the amount of coverage of expenses related to medical care must be at least 30,000 euros;

• the period of validity of the insurance must be active for the entire stay of a foreigner in Malawi;

• the insurance policy must be presented in printed paper form (it is better to have its photocopies in addition);

• under the terms of the insurance contract there should not be a deductible.

Insurance companies offer their customers a variety of options. This applies, first of all, to servicing unforeseen situations that may happen to a client in Malawi. This will directly affect the price. However, given the factors listed above, it makes sense to purchase insurance that will cover possible risks as much as possible.