Malawians could be exposed to stolen, falsified or substandard medicines, and Parliament is now investigating drug theft and the safety of medicines circulating in the country.
The Parliamentary Committee on Health began hearings on October 12, 2026, to investigate concerns over drug theft, falsified medicines and products that fail to meet required quality standards.
The inquiry, which runs until October 16, will hear from pharmaceutical companies and the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) as the committee seeks answers about the handling and quality of medicines in Malawi.
According to a programme released by Parliament, Victoria Pharmaceuticals Industry Limited and Crown Pharmaceuticals and Research Laboratories Limited are scheduled to appear before the committee on Tuesday, October 13.
On Wednesday, October 14, the committee will hear from Intermed, Global Health Pharmacy Limited and Pharmachemie Limited.
The MRA is expected to appear on Friday, October 16, from 9am to 12:30pm.
The hearings are taking place in the Members Lounge at Parliament, with proceedings scheduled throughout the week.
Drug theft and the circulation of falsified or substandard medicines can put patients at risk by exposing them to ineffective or unsafe treatment. Such practices can also undermine public confidence in the country’s health system.
The inquiry will give the committee an opportunity to question the companies and authorities involved and examine concerns surrounding medicine safety, quality and the handling of pharmaceutical products in the country.