AT THE LAUNCH OF THE CIVIL SERVANTS MEDICAL SCHEMEBY HIS EXCELLENCY DR LAZARUS MACATHY CHAKWERAPRESIDENT THE REPUBLIC OF MALAWI

YOUR EXCELLENCY, it is with great pleasure and honour that I stand before you today, at the launch of the Civil Servants’ Medical Scheme managed by the Medical Aid Society of Malawi

This is a significant milestone in the provision of healthcare services to the Civil Servants, and it is a great privilege to have you Sir presiding over this momentous occasion.

I would like to begin by expressing my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency for your unwavering support towards the enhancement of healthcare services in our beloved nation. Your Excellency’s commitment to the well-being of the people of Malawi has been witnessed throughout your tenure. This is evidenced by the numerous health facilities built under Your Excellency’s leadership.

Today, we mark the beginning of a new era in the healthcare for the Civil Servants which also coincides with MASM’s 40th Anniversary. Your Excellency’s launching of the Civil Servants’ medical scheme signifies your commitment to ensuring that the public servants receive the quality healthcare they deserve. It is our belief that the well-being of the Civil Servants directly impacts the progress and development of our nation. A healthy Civil Service is a pillar for the economic development of our nation.

The Civil Servants Medical scheme which has run for three (3) years now is a comprehensive initiative by your government aimed at providing accessible and affordable healthcare coverage to the Civil Servants.

YOUR EXCELLENCY, the scheme has been meticulously designed to address the unique needs and health challenges faced by this esteemed workforce. The scheme offering spanning from the VIP, EXECUTIVE and ECONOPLAN is tailored to provide high-quality and affordable medical services that align with the individual requirements and preferences of the Civil Servants.

Furthermore, the scheme is built on the pillars of comprehensive health benefits and services. Civil servants can expect a wide range of essential medical services, including but not limited to inpatient and outpatient care, specialist consultations, hospitalisation, surgical procedures, diagnostic tests, maternity care, medication, emergency medical services through our fleet of ambulances placed in all the three regions of the country, foreign treatment, and funeral cover.

YOUR EXCELLENCY, we have collaborated with over 700 healthcare providers across the country and some in the SADC region and India, to ensure that Civil Servants have access to world-class medical treatment and facilities beyond Malawi’s borders, offering peace of mind and comprehensive care no matter where they may be.

Our commitment to ensuring the well-being of the Civil Servants further extends to preventive care, wellness programs, and health promotion initiatives, all aimed at fostering a culture of proactive healthcare management. We believe that promoting a proactive approach to health is vital in reducing the burden of preventable illnesses and enhancing the overall well-being of the Civil Service workforce.

YOUR EXCELLENCY, in line with your vision to promoting holistic health, I am delighted to inform you Sir, that last month we launched a state-of-the-art gym facility in Blantyre for all MASM members including the Civil Servants. This gym will serve a s a hub for wellness activities, providing our members with the tools and resources to embark on personal health and fitness journeys.

We believe that physical fitness is an integral component of the overall well-being, and we are thrilled to offer this facility as an added benefit to our members. Plans are underway to have similar facilities in the cities of Lilongwe and Mzuzu.

With the inauguration of the Civil Servants’ medical scheme, we are challenged with a new chapter in the provision of healthcare services to the Civil Servants. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that this scheme serves its intended purpose and delivers on its promises. We will therefore continuously strive to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and accessibility of our services, giving the Civil Servants the care, they deserve and being their Ultimate Healthcare Solution.

Despite being a voluntary scheme, I am pleased to report that we have already seen an enthusiastic response from the Civil Servants, with over 26,000 individuals registered to-date. This is a testament to the value that the scheme offers, and the trust placed in the Medical Aid Society of Malawi. Nevertheless, the doors remain open, and we encourage more Civil Servants to come forward and join us on this journey towards better health and well-being.

In closing, I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Your Excellency for your unwavering support and vision in the establishment of the Civil Servants medical scheme. The trust you placed in us to manage the scheme on behalf of the government can not be taken for granted.

I extend my heartfelt appreciation to the Civil Servants for their trust and participation in this initiative, and to the dedicated team at the Medical Aid Society of Malawi for their tireless efforts in bringing this scheme to the doors of the government departments and agencies.

I will be failing if I cannot recognise the healthcare providers, who are our esteemed partners in realising this dream.

Together, let us embark on this journey towards better health, stronger communities, and a brighter future for all.

YOUR EXCELLENCY, distinguished ladies, and gentlemen, I thank you for your attention.