Kamuzu University of Health Sciences (Kuhes) Vice-Chancellor Professor Macpherson Mallewa has called for upholding integrity and professionalism among health professionals. He made the remarks during the university's third congregation in Blantyre. Mallewa expressed concern over reports of theft and corruption involving healthcare professionals in public and private health facilities. He emphasized that Kuhes expects its graduates to demonstrate integrity and exemplary conduct in their workplaces.
Mallewa stressed that the institution does not train students to engage in theft. He said resources should be allocated to patients, not individual healthcare professionals. The Vice-Chancellor's comments come amid persistent theft of medicines from Malawi's public health system. Ministry of Health and Sanitation Principal Secretary Dan Namarika recently decried the malpractice, citing its impact on efforts to stabilize supplies.
During the ceremony, Kuhes provided an update on its plans to establish a pharmaceutical plant at its Kameza Campus in Blantyre. Mallewa said the university is conducting a feasibility study to ensure the proposed plant is properly planned. The institution intends to involve the World Health Organisation to ensure the medicines produced meet internationally acceptable standards.
Minister of Education, Science and Technology Bright Msaka, the guest of honour, challenged Kuhes to ensure its graduates possess practical skills and ethical values needed to serve the nation. He said the government will continue to support the university's growth and efforts to strengthen its capacity to deliver quality education.
Kuhes Council chairperson Professor Al Mtenje acknowledged that the institution operates in a challenging economic environment. He cited rising operational costs and infrastructure requirements. Mtenje outlined the university's strategy to strengthen financial management systems, improve resource mobilisation, and diversify income streams without compromising its public mandate.
A total of 262 students graduated across 14 undergraduate and 11 postgraduate programmes. Of these, 144 are female and 118 are male, while three graduated with distinctions. The ceremony also marked the graduation of Kuhes' first doctor of philosophy graduate, Naomi Kyeremaa Yeboa, a Ghanaian who earned a PhD in midwifery.
Established in 2021 following the merger of former University of Malawi constituent colleges—Kamuzu College of Nursing and College of Medicine, Kuhes held its inaugural graduation ceremony in 2024. The university has made significant progress since its establishment, with plans to expand its programmes and facilities.
Key points
- Kuhes Vice-Chancellor Professor Macpherson Mallewa calls for integrity among health professionals.
- The university plans to establish a pharmaceutical plant at its Kameza Campus.
